1
|
Hoo R, Ruiz-Morales ER, Kelava I, Rawat M, Mazzeo CI, Tuck E, Sancho-Serra C, Chelaghma S, Predeus AV, Murray S, Fernandez-Antoran D, Waller RF, Álvarez-Errico D, Lee MCS, Vento-Tormo R. Acute response to pathogens in the early human placenta at single-cell resolution. Cell Syst 2024; 15:425-444.e9. [PMID: 38703772 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2024.04.002] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The placenta is a selective maternal-fetal barrier that provides nourishment and protection from infections. However, certain pathogens can attach to and even cross the placenta, causing pregnancy complications with potential lifelong impacts on the child's health. Here, we profiled at the single-cell level the placental responses to three pathogens associated with intrauterine complications-Plasmodium falciparum, Listeria monocytogenes, and Toxoplasma gondii. We found that upon exposure to the pathogens, all placental lineages trigger inflammatory responses that may compromise placental function. Additionally, we characterized the responses of fetal macrophages known as Hofbauer cells (HBCs) to each pathogen and propose that they are the probable niche for T. gondii. Finally, we revealed how P. falciparum adapts to the placental microenvironment by modulating protein export into the host erythrocyte and nutrient uptake pathways. Altogether, we have defined the cellular networks and signaling pathways mediating acute placental inflammatory responses that could contribute to pregnancy complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hoo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Iva Kelava
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mukul Rawat
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sara Chelaghma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - David Fernandez-Antoran
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ross F Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Marcus C S Lee
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li J, Docile HJ, Fisher D, Pronyuk K, Zhao L. Current Status of Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Progress and Challenges. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2. [PMID: 38656731 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The African continent carries the greatest malaria burden in the world. Falciparum malaria especially has long been the leading cause of death in Africa. Climate, economic factors, geographical location, human intervention and unstable security are factors influencing malaria transmission. Due to repeated infections and early interventions, the proportion of clinically atypical malaria or asymptomatic plasmodium carriers has increased significantly, which easily lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. African countries have made certain progress in malaria control and elimination, including rapid diagnosis of malaria, promotion of mosquito nets and insecticides, intermittent prophylactic treatment in high-risk groups, artemisinin based combination therapies, and the development of vaccines. Between 2000 and 2022, there has been a 40% decrease in malaria incidence and a 60% reduction in mortality rate in the WHO African Region. However, many challenges are emerging in the fight against malaria in Africa, such as climate change, poverty, substandard health services and coverage, increased outdoor transmission and the emergence of new vectors, and the growing threat of resistance to antimalarial drugs and insecticides. Joint prevention and treatment, identifying molecular determinants of resistance, new drug development, expanding seasonal malaria chemo-prevention intervention population, and promoting the vaccination of RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M may help to solve the dilemma. China's experience in eliminating malaria is conducive to Africa's malaria prevention and control, and China-Africa cooperation needs to be constantly deepened and advanced. Our review aims to help the global public develop a comprehensive understanding of malaria in Africa, thereby contributing to malaria control and elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haragakiza Jean Docile
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - David Fisher
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of The Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khrystyna Pronyuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Antia IU, Hills FA, Shah AJ. Disaccharide compositional analysis of chondroitin sulphate using WAX HILIC-MS with pre-column procainamide labelling; application to the placenta in pre-eclampsia. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:566-575. [PMID: 38189556 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01578e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Chondroitin sulphate (CS) and dermatan sulphate are negatively charged linear heteropolysaccharides. These glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are involved in cellular signalling via binding to growth factors. CS is expressed in a range of tissue and biological fluids and is highly expressed in the placenta. There is evidence that decorin; a CS proteoglycan is significantly decreased in pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. It is considered that GAG chain composition may influence cellular processes that are altered in pre-eclampsia. The goal of the present study was to develop an LC-MS method with precolumn procainamide labelling for the disaccharide compositional analysis of CS. The method was used to investigate whether the disaccharide composition of placenta-extracted CS is altered in pre-eclampsia. The study revealed differential disaccharide compositions of placental chondroitin sulphate between pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy conditions. This suggests that the method may have diagnostic potential for pregnancy disorders. Furthermore, the findings suggest that CS sulphation might play a significant role in maternal labour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imeobong U Antia
- Glycan Research Group, Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, UK.
| | - Frank A Hills
- Glycan Research Group, Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, UK.
| | - Ajit J Shah
- Glycan Research Group, Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zheng Z, Lu X, Zhou D, Deng XF, Liu QX, Liu XB, Zhang J, Li YQ, Zheng H, Dai JG. A novel enemy of cancer: recent investigations into protozoan anti-tumor properties. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1325144. [PMID: 38274735 PMCID: PMC10808745 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1325144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a significant global health issue, despite advances in screening and treatment. While existing tumor treatment protocols such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have proven effective in enhancing the prognosis for some patients, these treatments do not benefit all patients. Consequently, certain types of cancer continue to exhibit a relatively low 5-year survival rate. Therefore, the pursuit of novel tumor intervention strategies may help improve the current effectiveness of tumor treatment. Over the past few decades, numerous species of protozoa and their components have exhibited anti-tumor potential via immune and non-immune mechanisms. This discovery introduces a new research direction for the development of new and effective cancer treatments. Through in vitro experiments and studies involving tumor-bearing mice, the anti-tumor ability of Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi, and other protozoa have unveiled diverse mechanisms by which protozoa combat cancer, demonstrating encouraging prospects for their application. In this review, we summarize the anti-tumor ability and anti-tumor mechanisms of various protozoa and explore the potential for their clinical development and application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army (Third Military) Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji-gang Dai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army (Third Military) Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rent S, Bauserman M, Laktabai J, Tshefu AK, Taylor SM. Malaria in Pregnancy: Key Points for the Neonatologist. Neoreviews 2023; 24:e539-e552. [PMID: 37653081 DOI: 10.1542/neo.24-9-e539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
In malaria-endemic regions, infection with the malaria parasite Plasmodium during pregnancy has been identified as a key modifiable factor in preterm birth, the delivery of low-birthweight infants, and stillbirth. Compared with their nonpregnant peers, pregnant persons are at higher risk for malaria infection. Malaria infection can occur at any time during pregnancy, with negative effects for the pregnant person and the fetus, depending on the trimester in which the infection is contracted. Pregnant patients who are younger, in their first or second pregnancy, and those coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus are at increased risk for malaria. Common infection prevention measures during pregnancy include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and the use of intermittent preventive treatment with monthly doses of antimalarials, beginning in the second trimester in pregnant patients in endemic areas. In all trimesters, artemisinin-combination therapies are the first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria, similar to treatment in nonpregnant adults. The World Health Organization recently revised its recommendations, now listing the specific medication artemether-lumefantrine as first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester. While strong prevention and detection methods exist, use of these techniques remains below global targets. Ongoing work on approaches to treatment and prevention of malaria during pregnancy remains at the forefront of global maternal child health research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharla Rent
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | | | | | - Antoinette K Tshefu
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Steve M Taylor
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Santiago VF, Dombrowski JG, Kawahara R, Rosa-Fernandes L, Mule SN, Murillo O, Santana TV, Coutinho JVP, Macedo-da-Silva J, Lazari LC, Peixoto EPM, Ramirez MI, Larsen MR, Marinho CRF, Palmisano G. Complement System Activation Is a Plasma Biomarker Signature during Malaria in Pregnancy. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1624. [PMID: 37628675 PMCID: PMC10454407 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is a public health problem in malaria-endemic areas, contributing to detrimental outcomes for both mother and fetus. Primigravida and second-time mothers are most affected by severe anemia complications and babies with low birth weight compared to multigravida women. Infected erythrocytes (IE) reach the placenta, activating the immune response by placental monocyte infiltration and inflammation. However, specific markers of MiP result in poor outcomes, such as low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction for babies and maternal anemia in women infected with Plasmodium falciparum are limited. In this study, we identified the plasma proteome signature of a mouse model infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum infection using quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics. A total of 279 and 249 proteins were quantified in murine and human plasma samples, of which 28% and 30% were regulated proteins, respectively. Most of the regulated proteins in both organisms are involved in complement system activation during malaria in pregnancy. CBA anaphylatoxin assay confirmed the complement system activation by the increase in C3a and C4a anaphylatoxins in the infected plasma compared to non-infected plasma. Moreover, correlation analysis showed the association between complement system activation and reduced head circumference in newborns from Pf-infected mothers. The data obtained in this study highlight the correlation between the complement system and immune and newborn outcomes resulting from malaria in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Feijoli Santiago
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Jamille Gregorio Dombrowski
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Kawahara
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Analytical Glycoimmunology Group, Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Livia Rosa-Fernandes
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Simon Ngao Mule
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Oscar Murillo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Department of Pulmonary Immunology, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Texas Health Center Science at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75708, USA
| | - Thais Viggiani Santana
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Joao Victor Paccini Coutinho
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Janaina Macedo-da-Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Lucas Cardoso Lazari
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Erika Paula Machado Peixoto
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marcel Ivan Ramirez
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Fiocruz, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Martin R. Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Analytical Glycoimmunology Group, Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Onoja H, Nduka F, Abah A. Effects of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine on maternal, neonatal and placental malaria in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. J Vector Borne Dis 2023; 60:285-291. [PMID: 37843239 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.374243] [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: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES The utilization of Intermittent Preventive Treatment (sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine) in pregnancy (IPTp-SP) for combating malaria has indicated control over adverse birth outcomes and has been recommended for use by pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of IPTp-SP on maternal, neonatal and placental malaria in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. METHODS 316 samples of maternal peripheral blood (MPB), placental blood (PLB), neonatal cord blood (NCB) and placental tissue (PT) were collected each from consenting mothers. Blood samples were processed and stained by the Giemsa method. Placental tissues were processed and stained in haematoxylin. Examination of samples for malaria parasitaemia was carried out using standard parasitological methods. Demography of participants was collected through questionnaires and from ante natal care (ANC) records. RESULTS Overall prevalence of 74 (23.42%) was recorded. Age-related prevalence indicated that ≤ 20 years, 9 (56.25%) had the highest prevalence followed by 21-30 years (23.48%), and ≥41 years (16.67%) (p <0.05). Malaria in MPB showed that SP-users had 26 (13.20%) while non-users had 48 (40.33%) (p <0.05). In NCB, SP-users recorded 20 (10.15%) while non-users had 13 (10.92) (p>0.05). The prevalence in PLB and PT revealed that SP-users had a lower prevalence in PLB, 31 (15.73%) and PT, 12 (6.09%) while non-users recorded a higher prevalence 48 (40.33%) in PLB and 21 (17.65%) in PT (P<0.05). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION The utilization of IPTp-SP is seen to significantly reduce the occurrence of malaria in pregnancy, placental tissue and in neonates thereby helping in improving birth outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Onoja
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Florence Nduka
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Austin Abah
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Iyamu U, Vinals DF, Tornyigah B, Arango E, Bhat R, Adra TR, Grewal S, Martin K, Maestre A, Overduin M, Hazes B, Yanow SK. A conserved epitope in VAR2CSA is targeted by a cross-reactive antibody originating from Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1202276. [PMID: 37396303 PMCID: PMC10312377 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1202276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnancy, VAR2CSA is expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes (IEs) and mediates their sequestration in the placenta. As a result, antibodies to VAR2CSA are largely restricted to women who were infected during pregnancy. However, we discovered that VAR2CSA antibodies can also be elicited by P. vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBP). We proposed that infection with P. vivax in non-pregnant individuals can generate antibodies that cross-react with VAR2CSA. To better understand the specificity of these antibodies, we took advantage of a mouse monoclonal antibody (3D10) raised against PvDBP that cross-reacts with VAR2CSA and identified the epitopes targeted by this antibody. We screened two peptide arrays that span the ectodomain of VAR2CSA from the FCR3 and NF54 alleles. Based on the top epitope recognized by 3D10, we designed a 34-amino acid synthetic peptide, which we call CRP1, that maps to a highly conserved region in DBL3X. Specific lysine residues are critical for 3D10 recognition, and these same amino acids are within a previously defined chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) binding site in DBL3X. We showed by isothermal titration calorimetry that the CRP1 peptide can bind directly to CSA, and antibodies to CRP1 raised in rats significantly blocked the binding of IEs to CSA in vitro. In our Colombian cohorts of pregnant and non-pregnant individuals, at least 45% were seroreactive to CRP1. Antibody reactivities to CRP1 and the 3D10 natural epitope in PvDBP region II, subdomain 1 (SD1), were strongly correlated in both cohorts. These findings suggest that antibodies arising from PvDBP may cross-react with VAR2CSA through the epitope in CRP1 and that CRP1 could be a potential vaccine candidate to target a distinct CSA binding site in VAR2CSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uwa Iyamu
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Bernard Tornyigah
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eliana Arango
- Grupo Salud y Comunidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Crónicas (GEINCRO), Fundación Universitaria San Martín, Sabaneta, Colombia
| | - Rakesh Bhat
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Trixie Rae Adra
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Simranjit Grewal
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kimberly Martin
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Amanda Maestre
- Grupo Salud y Comunidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Michael Overduin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bart Hazes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Stephanie K. Yanow
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Megnekou R, Nana CMM, Djontu JC, Bitye BMZ, Nana BC, Zangue BKT, Donkeu CJ, Essangui E, Salawiss RM, Seumko’o RNM, Ayong L, Leke RGF. Chemokine modulation in microscopic and submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in women at delivery in Yaoundé, Cameroon. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280615. [PMID: 36689438 PMCID: PMC9870109 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280615] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In pregnancy-associated malaria, chemokines such as CXCL-4, CXCL-13, CXCL-16, and CCL-24 play critical roles in leucocyte trafficking to tissue sites in the infected placenta where inflammatory reactions are active. However, how plasma levels of these chemokines associate with Plasmodium falciparum placental malaria and pregnancy outcomes remains not well understood. The present study analyzed the plasma levels of CXCL-4, CXCL-13, CXCL-16, and CCL-24 chemokines in matched peripheral, placental and cord blood in relation with placental malaria (PM), and with submicroscopic parasitaemia. This was a retrospective case-control study (1:3 ratio) involving samples from 134 women (34 PM+ and 100 PM-) enrolled at delivery at the Marie Reine Health Center in Yaoundé, Cameroon between June 2013 and October 2018. Samples were collected just after delivery and used to diagnose microscopic and submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections. Submicroscopic infections were detected by reverse transcription LAMP whereas chemokine levels were determined by Magnetic Luminex Screening Assay. Overall, PM was associated with increased plasma levels of CXCL-13 and CXCL-16 and low levels of CXCL-4 and CCL-24 in both peripheral and placental blood (0.0002 ≤ p ≤ 0.042). Similarly, CCL-24 levels in peripheral and placental blood samples were significantly lower in submicroscopically infected women compared to healthy controls (p = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively). Maternal hemoglobin levels increased with peripheral plasma levels of CXCL-4 (p = 0.005), CXCL-16 (p = 0.03), and CCL-24 (p = 0.002) while birth weight was lower for babies born from women with high levels of peripheral CXCL-13 (p = 0.0006) and low levels of cord CXCL-4 and CCL-24 (p = 0.02 and 0.08, respectively). Together the data suggest that low levels of CXCL-4 and CCL-24 coupled with high plasma levels of CXCL-13 and for a lesser extend CXCL-16 represent signatures of PM in the study population. These findings are relevant for understanding the immunopathogenesis of PM and developing new therapeutic or preventive strategies against severe PM outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosette Megnekou
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology of the Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- The Immunology Laboratory of the Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Chris Marco Mbianda Nana
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology of the Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- The Immunology Laboratory of the Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jean Claude Djontu
- The Immunology Laboratory of the Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Bernard Marie Zambo Bitye
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology of the Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- The Immunology Laboratory of the Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Benderli Christine Nana
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology of the Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- The Immunology Laboratory of the Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Berenice Kenfack Tekougang Zangue
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology of the Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- The Immunology Laboratory of the Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Estelle Essangui
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Rodrigue Mbea Salawiss
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology of the Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- The Immunology Laboratory of the Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Reine Ndeumou Medouen Seumko’o
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology of the Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- The Immunology Laboratory of the Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Lawrence Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Rose Gana Fomban Leke
- The Immunology Laboratory of the Biotechnology Center, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chandley P, Ranjan R, Kumar S, Rohatgi S. Host-parasite interactions during Plasmodium infection: Implications for immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1091961. [PMID: 36685595 PMCID: PMC9845897 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1091961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a global infectious disease that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Multiple environmental and host and parasite factors govern the clinical outcomes of malaria. The host immune response against the Plasmodium parasite is heterogenous and stage-specific both in the human host and mosquito vector. The Plasmodium parasite virulence is predominantly associated with its ability to evade the host's immune response. Despite the availability of drug-based therapies, Plasmodium parasites can acquire drug resistance due to high antigenic variations and allelic polymorphisms. The lack of licensed vaccines against Plasmodium infection necessitates the development of effective, safe and successful therapeutics. To design an effective vaccine, it is important to study the immune evasion strategies and stage-specific Plasmodium proteins, which are targets of the host immune response. This review provides an overview of the host immune defense mechanisms and parasite immune evasion strategies during Plasmodium infection. Furthermore, we also summarize and discuss the current progress in various anti-malarial vaccine approaches, along with antibody-based therapy involving monoclonal antibodies, and research advancements in host-directed therapy, which can together open new avenues for developing novel immunotherapies against malaria infection and transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Chandley
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
| | - Ravikant Ranjan
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Soma Rohatgi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India,*Correspondence: Soma Rohatgi,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Huang C, Li C, Cai J, Chen J, Wang B, Li M, Zhou W, Wang J, Zhang P, Zhang JV. Chondroitin Sulfate Targeting Nanodrug Achieves Near-Infrared Fluorescence-Guided Chemotherapy Against Triple-Negative Breast Primary and Lung Metastatic Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:5547-5563. [DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s380358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
12
|
Bihoun B, Zango SH, Traoré-Coulibaly M, Valea I, Ravinetto R, Van Geertruyden JP, D'Alessandro U, Tinto H, Robert A. Age-modified factors associated with placental malaria in rural Burkina Faso. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:248. [PMID: 35331181 PMCID: PMC8951713 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04568-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in pregnancy can result in placental infection with fetal implications. This study aimed at assessing placental malaria (PM) prevalence and its associated factors in a cohort of pregnant women with peripheral malaria and their offspring. METHOD The data were collected in the framework of a clinical trial on treatments for malaria in pregnant women . Placental malaria (PM) was diagnosed by histopathological detection of parasites and/or malaria pigment on placenta biopsies taken at delivery. Factors associated with PM were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS Out of 745 biopsies examined, PM was diagnosed in 86.8 % of women. Acute, chronic and past PM were retrieved in 11 (1.5 %), 170 (22.8 %), and 466 (62.6 %) women, respectively. A modifying effect was observed in the association of gravidity or anemia at the study start with pooled PM (presence of parasites and/or malaria pigment). In women under 30, gravidity ≤ 2 was associated with an increased prevalence of pooled PM but in women aged 30 years or more, gravidity was no more associated with pooled PM (OR 6.81, 95 % CI 3.18 - 14.60; and OR 0.52, 95 % CI 0.10 - 2.76, respectively). Anemia was associated with pooled PM in women under 30 (OR 1.96, 95 % CI 1.03 - 3.72) but not in women aged 30 years or more (OR 0.68, 95 % CI 0.31 - 1.49). Similarly, the association of gravidity with past-chronic PM depended also on age. A higher prevalence of active PM was observed in women under 30 presenting with symptomatic malaria (OR 3.79, 95 % CI 1.55 - 9.27), while there was no significant increase in the prevalence of active PM (presence of parasites only) in women with symptomatic malaria when aged 30 years or more (OR 0.42, 95 % CI 0.10 - 1.75). In women with chronic PM, the prevalence of low birth weight or prematurity was the highest (31.2 %) as compared with past PM or no PM. CONCLUSION Despite the rapid diagnosis and efficacious treatment of peripheral infection, the prevalence of placental malaria remained high in women with P. falciparum peripheral infection in Nanoro, especially in younger women This underlines the importance of preventive measures in this specific group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biébo Bihoun
- Unité de recherche clinique de Nanoro, Institut de recherche en science de la santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso.
| | - Serge Henri Zango
- Unité de recherche clinique de Nanoro, Institut de recherche en science de la santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso.,Pôle Epidémiologie et Biostatistiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maminata Traoré-Coulibaly
- Unité de recherche clinique de Nanoro, Institut de recherche en science de la santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Innocent Valea
- Unité de recherche clinique de Nanoro, Institut de recherche en science de la santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Gambia
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Unité de recherche clinique de Nanoro, Institut de recherche en science de la santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Annie Robert
- Pôle Epidémiologie et Biostatistiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Parhi L, Abed J, Shhadeh A, Alon-Maimon T, Udi S, Ben-Arye SL, Tam J, Parnas O, Padler-Karavani V, Goldman-Wohl D, Yagel S, Mandelboim O, Bachrach G. Placental colonization by Fusobacterium nucleatum is mediated by binding of the Fap2 lectin to placentally displayed Gal-GalNAc. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110537. [PMID: 35320712 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
While the existence of an indigenous placental microbiota remains controversial, several pathogens are known to be involved in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Fusobacterium nucleatum is an oral bacterium that is one of several bacteria associated with preterm birth. Oral fusobacteria translocate to the placenta hematogenously; however, the mechanisms localizing them to the placenta remain unclear. Here, using peanut agglutinin, we demonstrate that the level of Gal-GalNAc (Galβ1-3GalNAc; Thomsen Friedenreich antigen) found on trophoblasts facing entering maternal blood rises during gestation and is recognized by the fusobacterial Fap2 Gal-GalNAc lectin. F. nucleatum binding to human and mouse placenta correlates with Gal-GalNAc levels and is reduced upon O-glycanase treatment or with soluble Gal-GalNAc. Fap2-inactivated F. nucleatum shows reduced binding to Gal-GalNAc-displaying placental sections. In a mouse model, intravenously injected Fap2-expressing F. nucleatum, but not a Fap2 mutant, reduces mouse fetal survival by 70%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lishay Parhi
- The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Jawad Abed
- The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Amjad Shhadeh
- The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Tamar Alon-Maimon
- The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Shiran Udi
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Shani Leviatan Ben-Arye
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Joseph Tam
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Oren Parnas
- Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Vered Padler-Karavani
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Debra Goldman-Wohl
- Magda and Richard Hoffman Center for Human Placenta Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Simcha Yagel
- Magda and Richard Hoffman Center for Human Placenta Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 91240, Israel
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
| | - Gilad Bachrach
- The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the oral pathobiont Fusobacterium nucleatum is involved in the progression of an increasing number of tumors types. Thus far, the mechanisms underlying tumor exacerbation by F. nucleatum include the enhancement of proliferation, establishment of a tumor‐promoting immune environment, induction of chemoresistance, and the activation of immune checkpoints. This review focuses on the mechanisms that mediate tumor‐specific colonization by fusobacteria. Elucidating the mechanisms mediating fusobacterial tumor tropism and promotion might provide new insights for the development of novel approaches for tumor detection and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Alon-Maimon
- The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gilad Bachrach
- The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Waltmann A, McQuade ETR, Chinkhumba J, Operario DJ, Mzembe E, Itoh M, Kayange M, Puerto-Meredith SM, Mathanga DP, Juliano JJ, Carroll I, Bartelt LA, Gutman JR, Meshnick SR. The positive effect of malaria IPTp-SP on birthweight is mediated by gestational weight gain but modifiable by maternal carriage of enteric pathogens. EBioMedicine 2022; 77:103871. [PMID: 35217408 PMCID: PMC8866062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor pregnancy and birth outcomes are common in sub-Saharan Africa and have complex aetiologies. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), given for intermittent preventive therapy of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp), is one of few existing interventions that improves outcomes of both mother and baby despite widespread SP-resistant malaria. Compelling evidence exists that malaria-independent pathways contribute to this protective effect, but the exact sources of non anti-malarial protection remained unknown. We hypothesized that the beneficial effect of SP on birthweight is mediated by SP activity on maternal factors, including increased gestational weight gain and antibiotic activity on pathogens in the maternal gut. METHODS Expectant mothers from a larger randomized control trial comparing the efficacy of IPTp-SP to IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) were also enrolled in this sub-study study at their first antenatal care visit before commencement of IPTp (n = 105). Participants were followed monthly until delivery. Weights and mid-to-upper-arm circumferences (MUAC) were recorded. Monthly stool samples were collected and screened for five Escherichia coli pathotypes, Shigella spp., Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella, Campylobacter coli/jejuni, and three protozoa (Giardia spp., Entameba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium spp.) using previously validated molecular assays. FINDINGS IPTp-SP vs. IPTP-DP was associated with higher maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) and nutritional indicators (MUAC and body-mass index, BMI). GWG was found to be a mediator of the birthweight and IPTp-SP relationship, as the birthweight of SP infants, but not DP infants, varied according to maternal GWG. The burden of maternal enteric infections was high. The three most commonly observed pathogens were enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), atypical enteropathogenic E.coli/enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (aEPEC/EHEC), and typical enteropathogenic E.coli (tEPEC). We found that SP reduced the prevalence of EAEC in a dose-dependent manner. After 3 or more doses, SP-recipients were 90% less likely to be infected with EAEC compared to DP-recipients (ORadj = 0.07, CI95 = 0.12, 0.39, p = 0.002). Compared to DP, this coincided with higher maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) and nutritional indicators (MUAC and body-mass index, BMI). The beneficial effect of SP on maternal GWG, MUAC and BMI, was lower if SP mothers had detectable EAEC, aEPEC/EHEC, tEPEC, and LT-ETEC at baseline. Maternal EAEC and tEPEC at baseline associated with lower birthweight for babies of both SP mothers and DP mothers. When comparing IPTp regimens, the positive effect of SP on birthweight compared to DP was only observed for infants of women who did not test positive for EAEC at baseline (adjusted mean birthweight difference SP vs. DP = 156.0 g, CI95 = -18.0 g, 336.9 g, p = 0.087), though confidence intervals crossed the null. INTERPRETATION Our findings indicate that in pregnant Malawian women, IPTp-SP vs. IPTp-DP is consistently associated with higher MUAC, BMI, and GWG following the WHO-recommended regimen of at least 3 doses, but carriage of maternal gut pathogens before initiation of IPTp lessens this effect. Because GWG was a mediator of the association between birthweight and SP, we show that SP's previously proven positive effect on birthweight is by promoting maternal weight gain. Overall, our results present one plausible pathway SP exerts malaria-independent protection against poor birth outcomes in the context of its waning antimalarial activity and warrants further investigation. FUNDING A full list of funding bodies that contributed to this study can be found in the Acknowledgements section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Waltmann
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | | | - Jobiba Chinkhumba
- Malaria Alert Centre (MAC), University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Darwin J Operario
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, VA, USA
| | - Enala Mzembe
- Malaria Alert Centre (MAC), University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Megumi Itoh
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Don P Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Centre (MAC), University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ian Carroll
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Luther A Bartelt
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven R Meshnick
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bush MA, Anstey NM, Yeo TW, Florence SM, Granger DL, Mwaikambo ED, Weinberg JB. Vascular Dysfunction in Malaria: Understanding the Role of the Endothelial Glycocalyx. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:751251. [PMID: 34858979 PMCID: PMC8631294 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.751251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum results in over 400,000 deaths annually, predominantly affecting African children. In addition, non-falciparum species including vivax and knowlesi cause significant morbidity and mortality. Vascular dysfunction is a key feature in malaria pathogenesis leading to impaired blood perfusion, vascular obstruction, and tissue hypoxia. Contributing factors include adhesion of infected RBC to endothelium, endothelial activation, and reduced nitric oxide formation. Endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) protects the vasculature by maintaining vessel integrity and regulating cellular adhesion and nitric oxide signaling pathways. Breakdown of eGC is known to occur in infectious diseases such as bacterial sepsis and dengue and is associated with adverse outcomes. Emerging studies using biochemical markers and in vivo imaging suggest that eGC breakdown occurs during Plasmodium infection and is associated with markers of malaria disease severity, endothelial activation, and vascular function. In this review, we describe characteristics of eGC breakdown in malaria and discuss how these relate to vascular dysfunction and adverse outcomes. Further understanding of this process may lead to adjunctive therapy to preserve or restore damaged eGC and reduce microvascular dysfunction and the morbidity/mortality of malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A Bush
- Duke University School of Nursing and Durham VA Medical Centers, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nicholas M Anstey
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Tsin W Yeo
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Donald L Granger
- School of Medicine, University of Utah and Salt Lake City VA Medical Centers, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | - J Brice Weinberg
- Duke University School of Medicine and Durham VA Medical Centers, Durham, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mortazavi SE, Lugaajju A, Kaddumukasa M, Tijani MK, Kironde F, Persson KEM. Osteopontin and malaria: no direct effect on parasite growth, but correlation with P. falciparum-specific B cells and BAFF in a malaria endemic area. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:307. [PMID: 34742229 PMCID: PMC8571855 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02368-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The dysregulation of B cell activation is prevalent during naturally acquired immunity against malaria. Osteopontin (OPN), a protein produced by various cells including B cells, is a phosphorylated glycoprotein that participates in immune regulation and has been suggested to be involved in the immune response against malaria. Here we studied the longitudinal concentrations of OPN in infants and their mothers living in Uganda, and how OPN concentrations correlated with B cell subsets specific for P. falciparum and B cell activating factor (BAFF). We also investigated the direct effect of OPN on P. falciparum in vitro. Results The OPN concentration was higher in the infants compared to the mothers, and OPN concentration in infants decreased from birth until 9 months. OPN concentration in infants during 9 months were independent of OPN concentrations in corresponding mothers. OPN concentrations in infants were inversely correlated with total atypical memory B cells (MBCs) as well as P. falciparum-specific atypical MBCs. There was a positive correlation between OPN and BAFF concentrations in both mothers and infants. When OPN was added to P. falciparum cultured in vitro, parasitemia was unaffected regardless of OPN concentration. Conclusions The concentrations of OPN in infants were higher and independent of the OPN concentrations in corresponding mothers. In vitro, OPN does not have a direct effect on P. falciparum growth. Our correlation analysis results suggest that OPN could have a role in the B cell immune response and acquisition of natural immunity against malaria. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-021-02368-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne E Mortazavi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Allan Lugaajju
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mark Kaddumukasa
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Muyideen Kolapo Tijani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Cellular Parasitology Program, Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Fred Kironde
- Habib Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kristina E M Persson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sarr D, Oliveira LJ, Russ BN, Owino SO, Middii JD, Mwalimu S, Ambasa L, Almutairi F, Vulule J, Rada B, Moore JM. Myeloperoxidase and Other Markers of Neutrophil Activation Associate With Malaria and Malaria/HIV Coinfection in the Human Placenta. Front Immunol 2021; 12:682668. [PMID: 34737733 PMCID: PMC8562302 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.682668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Placental malaria (PM) is characterized by accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes in the placenta, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes. Understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains incomplete. Neutrophils respond to malaria parasites by phagocytosis, generation of oxidants, and externalization of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). NETs drive inflammation in malaria but evidence of NETosis in PM has not been reported. Neutrophil activity in the placenta has not been directly investigated in the context of PM and PM/HIV-co-infection. Methods Using peripheral and placental plasma samples and placental tissue collected from Kenyan women at risk for malaria and HIV infections, we assessed granulocyte levels across all gravidities and markers of neutrophil activation, including NET formation, in primi- and secundigravid women, by ELISA, western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results Reduced peripheral blood granulocyte numbers are observed with PM and PM/HIV co-infection in association with increasing parasite density and placental leukocyte hemozoin accumulation. In contrast, placental granulocyte levels are unchanged across infection groups, resulting in enhanced placental: peripheral count ratios with PM. Within individuals, PM- women have reduced granulocyte counts in placental relative to peripheral blood; in contrast, PM stabilizes these relative counts, with HIV coinfection tending to elevate placental counts relative to the periphery. In placental blood, indicators of neutrophil activation, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PRTN3), are significantly elevated with PM and, more profoundly, with PM/HIV co-infection, in association with placental parasite density and hemozoin-bearing leukocyte accumulation. Another neutrophil marker, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9), together with MPO and PRTN3, is elevated with self-reported fever. None of these factors, including the neutrophil chemoattractant, CXCL8, differs in relation to infant birth weight or gestational age. CXCL8 and MPO levels in the peripheral blood do not differ with infection status nor associate with birth outcomes. Indicators of NETosis in the placental plasma do not vary with infection, and while structures consistent with NETs are observed in placental tissue, the results do not support an association with PM. Conclusions Granulocyte levels are differentially regulated in the peripheral and placental blood in the presence and absence of PM. PM, both with and without pre-existing HIV infection, enhances neutrophil activation in the placenta. The impact of local neutrophil activation on placental function and maternal and fetal health remains unclear. Additional investigations exploring how neutrophil activation and NETosis participate in the pathogenesis of malaria in pregnant women are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Demba Sarr
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lilian J. Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Brittany N. Russ
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Simon O. Owino
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Joab D. Middii
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- Kisumu Specialists Hospital Laboratory, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Stephen Mwalimu
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linda Ambasa
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
- #1 Heartsaved Adult Family Care, Marysville, WA, United States
| | - Faris Almutairi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - John Vulule
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
| | - Balázs Rada
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Julie M. Moore
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Vector Biology and Control Research Centre, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisian, Kenya
- University of Georgia/Kenya Medical Research Institute Placental Malaria Study, Siaya District Hospital, Siaya, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Oo HZ, Lohinai Z, Khazamipour N, Lo J, Kumar G, Pihl J, Adomat H, Nabavi N, Behmanesh H, Zhai B, Dagil R, Choudhary S, Gustavsson T, Clausen TM, Esko JD, Allen JW, Thompson MA, Tran NL, Moldvay J, Dome B, Salanti A, Al-Nakouzi N, Weiss GJ, Daugaard M. Oncofetal Chondroitin Sulfate Is a Highly Expressed Therapeutic Target in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4489. [PMID: 34503301 PMCID: PMC8430715 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Broad-spectrum therapeutics in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are in demand. Most human solid tumors express proteoglycans modified with distinct oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (CS) chains that can be detected and targeted with recombinant VAR2CSA (rVAR2) proteins and rVAR2-derived therapeutics. Here, we investigated expression and targetability of oncofetal CS expression in human NSCLC. High oncofetal CS expression is associated with shorter disease-free survival and poor overall survival of clinically annotated stage I and II NSCLC patients (n = 493). Oncofetal CS qualifies as an independent prognosticator of NSCLC in males and smokers, and high oncofetal CS levels are more prevalent in EGFR/KRAS wild-type cases, as compared to mutation cases. NSCLC cell lines express oncofetal CS-modified proteoglycans that can be specifically detected and targeted by rVAR2 proteins in a CSA-dependent manner. Importantly, a novel VAR2-drug conjugate (VDC-MMAE) efficiently eliminates NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. In summary, oncofetal CS is a prognostic biomarker and an actionable glycosaminoglycan target in NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Htoo Zarni Oo
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (H.Z.O.); (N.K.); (J.L.); (G.K.); (H.A.); (N.N.); (H.B.); (B.Z.); (N.A.-N.)
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Zoltan Lohinai
- Department of Tumor Biology, National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.L.); (J.M.); (B.D.)
| | - Nastaran Khazamipour
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (H.Z.O.); (N.K.); (J.L.); (G.K.); (H.A.); (N.N.); (H.B.); (B.Z.); (N.A.-N.)
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Joey Lo
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (H.Z.O.); (N.K.); (J.L.); (G.K.); (H.A.); (N.N.); (H.B.); (B.Z.); (N.A.-N.)
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Gunjan Kumar
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (H.Z.O.); (N.K.); (J.L.); (G.K.); (H.A.); (N.N.); (H.B.); (B.Z.); (N.A.-N.)
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Jessica Pihl
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; (J.P.); (T.M.C.); (J.D.E.)
| | - Hans Adomat
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (H.Z.O.); (N.K.); (J.L.); (G.K.); (H.A.); (N.N.); (H.B.); (B.Z.); (N.A.-N.)
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (H.Z.O.); (N.K.); (J.L.); (G.K.); (H.A.); (N.N.); (H.B.); (B.Z.); (N.A.-N.)
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Hakhamanesh Behmanesh
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (H.Z.O.); (N.K.); (J.L.); (G.K.); (H.A.); (N.N.); (H.B.); (B.Z.); (N.A.-N.)
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Beibei Zhai
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (H.Z.O.); (N.K.); (J.L.); (G.K.); (H.A.); (N.N.); (H.B.); (B.Z.); (N.A.-N.)
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Robert Dagil
- Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (R.D.); (S.C.); (T.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Swati Choudhary
- Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (R.D.); (S.C.); (T.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Tobias Gustavsson
- Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (R.D.); (S.C.); (T.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Thomas M. Clausen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; (J.P.); (T.M.C.); (J.D.E.)
| | - Jeffrey D. Esko
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; (J.P.); (T.M.C.); (J.D.E.)
| | | | | | - Nhan L. Tran
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA;
| | - Judit Moldvay
- Department of Tumor Biology, National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.L.); (J.M.); (B.D.)
- MTA-SE NAP, Brain Metastasis Research Group, Department of Pathology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balazs Dome
- Department of Tumor Biology, National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.L.); (J.M.); (B.D.)
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ali Salanti
- Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (R.D.); (S.C.); (T.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Nader Al-Nakouzi
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (H.Z.O.); (N.K.); (J.L.); (G.K.); (H.A.); (N.N.); (H.B.); (B.Z.); (N.A.-N.)
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | | | - Mads Daugaard
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (H.Z.O.); (N.K.); (J.L.); (G.K.); (H.A.); (N.N.); (H.B.); (B.Z.); (N.A.-N.)
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
India observed a significant reduction in malaria cases in the previous year, reaffirming our trust and efficiency of the existing tools to achieve malaria elimination. On 25 April, 2019, countries around the world marked World Malaria Day under the theme “Zero malaria starts with me”. This provides an opportunity to rejoice the success and re-evaluate ongoing challenges in the fight against this preventable and treatable parasitic disease. We highlight the potential gaps in the malaria elimination program, and underscore potential solutions and strategies to implement, improve and intensify the success of the national goal of malaria elimination by 2030.
Collapse
|
21
|
Prabhu SR, Ware AP, Saadi AV. Erythrocyte miRNA regulators and malarial pathophysiology. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 93:105000. [PMID: 34252617 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Pathophysiology of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in malaria vis a vis host and the parasite genome interactions has been deciphered recently to present the biology of cerebral malaria, severe anaemia and placental malaria. Small non-coding RNAs have exhibited their potential to be considered as indicators and regulators of diseases. The malarial pathologies and their associated mechanisms mediated by miRNAs and their role in haematopoiesis and red cell-related disorders are elucidated. Evidence of miRNA carrying exosome-like vesicles released during infection, delivering signals to endothelial cells enhancing gene expression, resulting in parasite sequestration and complications leading to pathologies of cerebral malaria are important breakthroughs. Pregnancy malaria showed Plasmodium surface antigen promoted erythrocyte sequestration in the placental intervillous space, provoking disease development and assorted complications. Syncytiotrophoblast-derived microparticles during pregnancy and fetus development may predict pathophysiological progression on account of their altered miRNA cargoes in malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya R Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Akshay P Ware
- Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Abdul Vahab Saadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Aitken EH, Damelang T, Ortega-Pajares A, Alemu A, Hasang W, Dini S, Unger HW, Ome-Kaius M, Nielsen MA, Salanti A, Smith J, Kent S, Hogarth PM, Wines BD, Simpson JA, Chung AW, Rogerson SJ. Developing a multivariate prediction model of antibody features associated with protection of malaria-infected pregnant women from placental malaria. eLife 2021; 10:e65776. [PMID: 34181872 PMCID: PMC8241440 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum causes placental malaria, which results in adverse outcomes for mother and child. P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes that express the parasite protein VAR2CSA on their surface can bind to placental chondroitin sulfate A. It has been hypothesized that naturally acquired antibodies towards VAR2CSA protect against placental infection, but it has proven difficult to identify robust antibody correlates of protection from disease. The objective of this study was to develop a prediction model using antibody features that could identify women protected from placental malaria. Methods We used a systems serology approach with elastic net-regularized logistic regression, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and a case-control study design to identify naturally acquired antibody features mid-pregnancy that were associated with protection from placental malaria at delivery in a cohort of 77 pregnant women from Madang, Papua New Guinea. Results The machine learning techniques selected 6 out of 169 measured antibody features towards VAR2CSA that could predict (with 86% accuracy) whether a woman would subsequently have active placental malaria infection at delivery. Selected features included previously described associations with inhibition of placental binding and/or opsonic phagocytosis of infected erythrocytes, and network analysis indicated that there are not one but multiple pathways to protection from placental malaria. Conclusions We have identified candidate antibody features that could accurately identify malaria-infected women as protected from placental infection. It is likely that there are multiple pathways to protection against placental malaria. Funding This study was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (Nos. APP1143946, GNT1145303, APP1092789, APP1140509, and APP1104975).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth H Aitken
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Timon Damelang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Amaya Ortega-Pajares
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Agersew Alemu
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Wina Hasang
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Saber Dini
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Holger W Unger
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Darwin HospitalDarwinAustralia
- Menzies School of Health ResearchDarwinAustralia
| | - Maria Ome-Kaius
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Morten A Nielsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and immunology, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and immunology, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Joe Smith
- Seattle Children’s Research InstituteSeattleUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Stephen Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - P Mark Hogarth
- Seattle Children’s Research InstituteSeattleUnited States
- Immune Therapies Group, Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Bruce D Wines
- Immune Therapies Group, Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Amy W Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhou M, Lai W, Li G, Wang F, Liu W, Liao J, Yang H, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Tang Q, Hu C, Huang J, Zhang R. Platelet Membrane-Coated and VAR2CSA Malaria Protein-Functionalized Nanoparticles for Targeted Treatment of Primary and Metastatic Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:25635-25648. [PMID: 34038097 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c02581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the main cause of death in cancer patients. The efficacy of pharmacological therapy for cancer is limited by the heterogeneous nature of cancer cells and the lack of knowledge of microenvironments in metastasis. Evidence has shown that activated platelets possess both tumor-homing and metastasis-targeting properties via intrinsic cell adhesion molecules on platelets, and malaria protein VAR2CSA is able to specifically bind to oncofetal chondroitin sulfate, which is overexpressed on cancer cells with both epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes. Inspired by these mechanisms, we developed a recombinant VAR2CSA peptide (rVAR2)-modified activated platelet-mimicking nanoparticles (rVAR2-PM/PLGA-ss-HA) by coating the surface of disulfide-containing biodegradable PLGA conjugate nanoparticles (PLGA-ss-HA) with an activated platelet membrane. The results demonstrated that the engineered 122 nm rVAR2-PM/PLGA-ss-HA inherited the innate properties of the activated platelet membrane and achieved enhanced homing to both primary and metastatic foci. The nanoparticles were endocytosed and responded to a high intracellular concentration of reduced glutathione, resulting in nanoparticle disintegration and the release of chemotherapeutic drugs to kill tumor cells. Thus, rVAR2-decorated activated platelet-targeting nanoparticles with controlled drug release provide a promising drug delivery strategy for efficient treatment of primary and metastatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Wenjing Lai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Guobing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Fengling Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Wuyi Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Jiaxing Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Haibo Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Yali Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Qin Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Changpeng Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Jingbin Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, ChongQing 400037, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cryo-EM reveals the architecture of placental malaria VAR2CSA and provides molecular insight into chondroitin sulfate binding. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2956. [PMID: 34011972 PMCID: PMC8134449 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23254-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental malaria can have severe consequences for both mother and child and effective vaccines are lacking. Parasite-infected red blood cells sequester in the placenta through interaction between parasite-expressed protein VAR2CSA and the glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulfate A (CS) abundantly present in the intervillous space. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of the VAR2CSA ectodomain at up to 3.1 Å resolution revealing an overall V-shaped architecture and a complex domain organization. Notably, the surface displays a single significantly electropositive patch, compatible with binding of negatively charged CS. Using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations as well as comparative hydroxyl radical protein foot-printing of VAR2CSA in complex with placental CS, we identify the CS-binding groove, intersecting with the positively charged patch of the central VAR2CSA structure. We identify distinctive conserved structural features upholding the macro-molecular domain complex and CS binding capacity of VAR2CSA as well as divergent elements possibly allowing immune escape at or near the CS binding site. These observations will support rational design of second-generation placental malaria vaccines. In placental malaria, interactions between parasite protein VAR2CSA and human glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulfate A (CS) sequesters infected red blood cells in the placenta. Here, the authors provide cryo-EM structures of VAR2CSA and placental CS, identifying molecular interactions that could guide design of placental malaria vaccines.
Collapse
|
25
|
Doritchamou JYA, Suurbaar J, Tuikue Ndam N. Progress and new horizons toward a VAR2CSA-based placental malaria vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:215-226. [PMID: 33472449 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1878029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Several malaria vaccines are under various phases of development with some promising results. In placental malaria (PM) a deliberately anti-disease approach is considered as many studies have underlined the key role of VAR2CSA protein, which therefore represents the leading vaccine candidate. However, evidence indicates that VAR2CSA antigenic polymorphism remains an obstacle to overcome.Areas covered: This review analyzes the progress made thus far in developing a VAR2CSA-based vaccine, and addresses the current issues and challenges that must be overcome to develop an effective PM vaccine.Expert opinion: Phase I trials of PAMVAC and PRIMVAC VAR2CSA vaccines have shown more or less satisfactory results with regards to safety and immunogenicity. The second generation of VAR2CSA-based vaccines could benefit from optimization approaches to broaden the activity spectrum against various placenta-binding isolates through continued advances in the structural understanding of the interaction with CSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Yai Alamou Doritchamou
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology & Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Suurbaar
- Université de Paris, MERIT, IRD, F-75006 Paris, France.,Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- Université de Paris, MERIT, IRD, F-75006 Paris, France.,Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gopal S, Arokiasamy S, Pataki C, Whiteford JR, Couchman JR. Syndecan receptors: pericellular regulators in development and inflammatory disease. Open Biol 2021; 11:200377. [PMID: 33561383 PMCID: PMC8061687 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The syndecans are the major family of transmembrane proteoglycans, usually bearing multiple heparan sulfate chains. They are present on virtually all nucleated cells of vertebrates and are also present in invertebrates, indicative of a long evolutionary history. Genetic models in both vertebrates and invertebrates have shown that syndecans link to the actin cytoskeleton and can fine-tune cell adhesion, migration, junction formation, polarity and differentiation. Although often associated as co-receptors with other classes of receptors (e.g. integrins, growth factor and morphogen receptors), syndecans can nonetheless signal to the cytoplasm in discrete ways. Syndecan expression levels are upregulated in development, tissue repair and an array of human diseases, which has led to the increased appreciation that they may be important in pathogenesis not only as diagnostic or prognostic agents, but also as potential targets. Here, their functions in development and inflammatory diseases are summarized, including their potential roles as conduits for viral pathogen entry into cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Gopal
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Samantha Arokiasamy
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Csilla Pataki
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Biocentre 1.3.16, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - James R. Whiteford
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - John R. Couchman
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Biocentre 1.3.16, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ferluga J, Singh I, Rout S, Al-Qahtani A, Yasmin H, Kishore U. Immune Responses in Malaria and Vaccine Strategies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1313:273-291. [PMID: 34661899 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-67452-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a pandemic with nearly half of global population at risk, caused by parasite Plasmodium species, particularly P. falciparum with a high morbidity and mortality, especially among children. There is an urgent need for development of population protective vaccines, such as in sub-Saharan low-income countries, where P. falciparum malaria is endemic. After years of endeavour with children and adults for safety and efficacy clinical trials, the P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein antigen, is targeted by specific antibodies induced by recombinant vaccine, called TRS,S. TRS,S has been authorized by WHO and Malawi Government to be the first malaria vaccine for up to 2 years of aged children for protection against malaria. Other malaria vaccines in clinical trials are also very promising candidates, including the original live, X-ray attenuated P-sporozoite vaccine, inducing antigen-specific T cell immunity at liver stage. Malaria parasite at blood symptomatic stage is targeted by specific antibodies to parasite-infected erythrocytes, which are important against pathogenic placenta-infected erythrocyte sequestration. Here, the demographic distribution of Plasmodium species and their pathogenicity in infected people are discussed. The role of innate phagocytic cells and malaria antigen specific T cell immunity, as well as that of specific antibody production by B cells are highlighted. The paramount role of cytotoxic CD8+ T cellular immunity in malaria people protection is also included.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janez Ferluga
- Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Iesha Singh
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sashmita Rout
- Department of Physiology, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Ahmed Al-Qahtani
- Department of Infection and Immunity, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadida Yasmin
- Immunology and Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India
| | - Uday Kishore
- Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Primus S, Rocha SC, Giacani L, Parveen N. Identification and Functional Assessment of the First Placental Adhesin of Treponema pallidum That May Play Critical Role in Congenital Syphilis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:621654. [PMID: 33408711 PMCID: PMC7779807 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.621654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Syphilis is a global, re-emerging sexually transmitted infection and congenital syphilis remains a major cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to bacterial infection in developing nations with a high rate of fetus loss. The molecular mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of the causative agent, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum remain poorly understood due to the difficulties of working with this pathogen, including the inability to grow it in pure culture. To reduce the spread of syphilis, we must first increase our knowledge of the virulence factors of T. pallidum and their contribution to syphilis manifestations. Tp0954 was predicted to be a surface lipoprotein of T. pallidum. Therefore, we experimentally demonstrated that Tp0954 is indeed a surface protein and further investigated its role in mediating bacterial attachment to various mammalian host cells. We found that expression of Tp0954 in a poorly adherent, but physiologically related derivative strain of the Lyme disease causing spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi B314 strain promotes its binding to epithelial as well as non-epithelial cells including glioma and placental cell lines. We also found that Tp0954 expression facilitates binding of this strain to purified dermatan sulfate and heparin, and also that bacterial binding to mammalian cell lines is mediated by the presence of heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate in the extracellular matrix of the specific cell lines. These results suggest that Tp0954 may be involved not only in initiating T. pallidum infection by colonizing skin epithelium, but it may also contribute to disseminated infection and colonization of distal tissues. Significantly, we found that Tp0954 promotes binding to the human placental choriocarcinoma BeWo cell line, which is of trophoblastic endocrine cell type, as well as human placental tissue sections, suggesting its role in placental colonization and possible contribution to transplacental transmission of T. pallidum. Altogether, these novel findings offer an important step toward unraveling syphilis pathogenesis, including placental colonization and T. pallidum vertical transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shekerah Primus
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Sandra C Rocha
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Lorenzo Giacani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nikhat Parveen
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Clark RL. Teratogen update: Malaria in pregnancy and the use of antimalarial drugs in the first trimester. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:1403-1449. [PMID: 33079495 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a particular problem in pregnancy because of enhanced sensitivity, the possibility of placental malaria, and adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. Artemisinin-containing combination therapies (ACTs) are the most effective antimalarials known. WHO recommends 7-day quinine therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the first trimester despite the superior tolerability and efficacy of 3-day ACT regimens because artemisinins caused embryolethality and/or cardiovascular malformations at relatively low doses in rats, rabbits, and monkeys. The developmental toxicity of artesunate, artemether, and DHA were similar in rats but artesunate was embryotoxic at lower doses in rabbits (5 mg/kg/day) than artemether (no effect level = 25 mg/kg/day). In clinical studies in Africa, treatment with artemether-lumefantrine in the first trimester was observed to be highly efficacious and the miscarriage rate (≤3.1%) was similar to no antimalarial treatment (2.6%). When data from the first-trimester use of largely artesunate-based therapies in Thailand were pooled together, there was no difference in miscarriage rate compared to quinine. However, individually, artesunate-mefloquine was associated with a higher miscarriage rate (15/71 = 21%) compared to other artemisinin-based therapies including 7-day artesunate + clindamycin (2/50 = 4%) and quinine (92/842 = 11%). Thus, appropriate statistical comparisons of individual ACT groups are needed prior to assuming that they all have the same risk for developmental toxicity. Current limitations in the assessment of the safety of ACTs in the first trimester are a lack of exposures early in gestation (gestational weeks 6-7), limited postnatal evaluation for cardiovascular malformations, and the pooling of all ACTs for the assessment of risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Clark
- Artemis Pharmaceutical Research, Saint Augustine, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mordmüller B, Sulyok M, Egger-Adam D, Resende M, de Jongh WA, Jensen MH, Smedegaard HH, Ditlev SB, Soegaard M, Poulsen L, Dyring C, Calle CL, Knoblich A, Ibáñez J, Esen M, Deloron P, Ndam N, Issifou S, Houard S, Howard RF, Reed SG, Leroy O, Luty AJF, Theander TG, Kremsner PG, Salanti A, Nielsen MA. First-in-human, Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial of Differentially Adjuvanted PAMVAC, A Vaccine Candidate to Prevent Pregnancy-associated Malaria. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:1509-1516. [PMID: 30629148 PMCID: PMC6792113 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in pregnancy has major impacts on mother and child health. To complement existing interventions, such as intermittent preventive treatment and use of impregnated bed nets, we developed a malaria vaccine candidate with the aim of reducing sequestration of asexual "blood-stage" parasites in the placenta, the major virulence mechanism. METHODS The vaccine candidate PAMVAC is based on a recombinant fragment of VAR2CSA, the Plasmodium falciparum protein responsible for binding to the placenta via chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). Healthy, adult malaria-naive volunteers were immunized with 3 intramuscular injections of 20 μg (n = 9) or 50 μg (n = 27) PAMVAC, adjuvanted with Alhydrogel or glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant in stable emulsion (GLA-SE) or in a liposomal formulation with QS21 (GLA-LSQ). Allocation was random and double blind. The vaccine was given every 4 weeks. Volunteers were observed for 6 months following last immunization. RESULTS All PAMVAC formulations were safe and well tolerated. A total of 262 adverse events (AEs) occurred, 94 (10 grade 2 and 2 grade 3) at least possibly related to the vaccine. No serious AEs occurred. Distribution and severity of AEs were similar in all arms. PAMVAC was immunogenic in all participants. PAMVAC-specific antibody levels were highest with PAMVAC-GLA-SE. The antibodies inhibited binding of VAR2CSA expressing P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes to CSA in a standardized functional assay. CONCLUSIONS PAMVAC formulated with Alhydrogel or GLA-based adjuvants was safe, well tolerated, and induced functionally active antibodies. Next, PAMVAC will be assessed in women before first pregnancies in an endemic area. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION EudraCT 2015-001827-21; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02647489.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Mihály Sulyok
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany
| | - Diane Egger-Adam
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany
| | - Mafalda Resende
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | | | - Mette H Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | - Helle Holm Smedegaard
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | - Sisse B Ditlev
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | | | | | | | - Carlos Lamsfus Calle
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany
| | - Annette Knoblich
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany
| | - Javier Ibáñez
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany
| | - Meral Esen
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Philippe Deloron
- Mère et Enfant face aux Infections Tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Nicaise Ndam
- Mère et Enfant face aux Infections Tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Saadou Issifou
- Fondation pour la Recherche Scientifique and Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin, Cotonou
| | | | | | - Steven G Reed
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Odile Leroy
- European Vaccine Initiative, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adrian J F Luty
- Mère et Enfant face aux Infections Tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Thor G Theander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | - Morten A Nielsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ahrens TD, Bang-Christensen SR, Jørgensen AM, Løppke C, Spliid CB, Sand NT, Clausen TM, Salanti A, Agerbæk MØ. The Role of Proteoglycans in Cancer Metastasis and Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:749. [PMID: 32984308 PMCID: PMC7479181 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are accessible by liquid biopsies via an easy blood draw. They represent not only the primary tumor site, but also potential metastatic lesions, and could thus be an attractive supplement for cancer diagnostics. However, the analysis of rare CTCs in billions of normal blood cells is still technically challenging and novel specific CTC markers are needed. The formation of metastasis is a complex process supported by numerous molecular alterations, and thus novel CTC markers might be found by focusing on this process. One example of this is specific changes in the cancer cell glycocalyx, which is a network on the cell surface composed of carbohydrate structures. Proteoglycans are important glycocalyx components and consist of a protein core and covalently attached long glycosaminoglycan chains. A few CTC assays have already utilized proteoglycans for both enrichment and analysis of CTCs. Nonetheless, the biological function of proteoglycans on clinical CTCs has not been studied in detail so far. Therefore, the present review describes proteoglycan functions during the metastatic cascade to highlight their importance to CTCs. We also outline current approaches for CTC assays based on targeting proteoglycans by their protein cores or their glycosaminoglycan chains. Lastly, we briefly discuss important technical aspects, which should be considered for studying proteoglycans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa D Ahrens
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara R Bang-Christensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- VarCT Diagnostics, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Caroline Løppke
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte B Spliid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Nicolai T Sand
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas M Clausen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Ø Agerbæk
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- VarCT Diagnostics, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Martinelli LM, Fontes KN, Reginatto MW, Andrade CBV, Monteiro VRS, Gomes HR, Silva-Filho JL, Pinheiro AAS, Vago AR, Almeida FRCL, Bloise FF, Matthews SG, Ortiga-Carvalho TM, Bloise E. Malaria in pregnancy regulates P-glycoprotein (P-gp/Abcb1a) and ABCA1 efflux transporters in the Mouse Visceral Yolk Sac. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:10636-10647. [PMID: 32779889 PMCID: PMC7521277 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) induces intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm labour (PTL). However, its effects on yolk sac morphology and function are largely unexplored. We hypothesized that MiP modifies yolk sac morphology and efflux transport potential by modulating ABC efflux transporters. C57BL/6 mice injected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (5 × 105 infected erythrocytes) at gestational day (GD) 13.5 were subjected to yolk sac membrane harvesting at GD 18.5 for histology, qPCR and immunohistochemistry. MiP did not alter the volumetric proportion of the yolk sac's histological components. However, it increased levels of Abcb1a mRNA (encoding P‐glycoprotein) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (Mif chemokine), while decreasing Abcg1 (P < 0.05); without altering Abca1, Abcb1b, Abcg2, Snat1, Snat2, interleukin (Il)‐1β and C‐C Motif chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2). Transcripts of Il‐6, chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 (Cxcl1), Glut1 and Snat4 were not detectible. ABCA1, ABCG1, breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and P‐gp were primarily immunolocalized to the cell membranes and cytoplasm of endodermic epithelium but also in the mesothelium and in the endothelium of mesodermic blood vessels. Intensity of P‐gp labelling was stronger in both endodermic epithelium and mesothelium, whereas ABCA1 labelling increased in the endothelium of the mesodermic blood vessels. The presence of ABC transporters in the yolk sac wall suggests that this fetal membrane acts as an important protective gestational barrier. Changes in ABCA1 and P‐gp in MiP may alter the biodistribution of toxic substances, xenobiotics, nutrients and immunological factors within the fetal compartment and participate in the pathogenesis of malaria‐induced IUGR and PTL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilian M Martinelli
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Klaus N Fontes
- Laboratory of Translational Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mila W Reginatto
- Laboratory of Translational Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cherley B V Andrade
- Laboratory of Translational Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victoria R S Monteiro
- Laboratory of Translational Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hanailly R Gomes
- Laboratory of Translational Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joao L Silva-Filho
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biochemistry of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana A S Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biochemistry of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Annamaria R Vago
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R C L Almeida
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Flavia F Bloise
- Laboratory of Translational Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tania M Ortiga-Carvalho
- Laboratory of Translational Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
D'Alessandro S, Menegola E, Parapini S, Taramelli D, Basilico N. Safety of Artemisinin Derivatives in the First Trimester of Pregnancy: A Controversial Story. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25153505. [PMID: 32752056 PMCID: PMC7435965 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as first line treatment for uncomplicated malaria both in adults and children. During pregnancy, ACT is considered safe only in the second and third trimester, since animal studies have demonstrated that artemisinin derivatives can cause foetal death and congenital malformation within a narrow time window in early embryogenesis. During this period, artemisinin derivatives induce defective embryonic erythropoiesis and vasculogenesis/angiogenesis in experimental models. However, clinical data on the safety profile of ACT in pregnant women have not shown an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital malformation, nor low birth weight, associated with exposure to artemisinins in the first trimester. Although further studies are needed, the evidence collected up to now is prompting the WHO towards a change in the guidelines for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, allowing the use of ACT also in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D'Alessandro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Menegola
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Malaria threatens the lives of over 200 million individuals with the disease each year. Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant cause of severe malaria which may be lethal and result in neurocognitive sequelae despite appropriate treatment. We review recent advances regarding the pathophysiology of severe malaria and treatment recommendations for severe disease in the United States. RECENT FINDINGS Infected red blood cell (iRBC) sequestration in microvascular beds is a critical factor in the development of severe malaria syndromes. Interactions between iRBC variant adhesive peptides and the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) result in perturbations of coagulation and cytopreservation pathways. Alterations in the protein C/EPCR axis are implicated in cerebral malaria, respiratory distress, and anemia. Brain MRIs reveal the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in cerebral malaria patients. Transcriptomic analysis reveals commonalities in disease pathogenesis in children and adults despite differences in clinical presentation. US guidelines for severe malaria treatment currently recommend intravenous artesunate including in pregnant women and children. SUMMARY Despite advances in our understanding of malarial pathogenesis much remains unknown. Antimalarial agents eradicate parasites but no treatments are available to prevent or ameliorate severe malaria or prevent disease sequelae. Further study is needed to develop effective adjunctive therapies.
Collapse
|
35
|
Clausen TM, Kumar G, Ibsen EK, Ørum-Madsen MS, Hurtado-Coll A, Gustavsson T, Agerbæk MØ, Gatto F, Todenhöfer T, Basso U, Knowles MA, Sanchez-Carbayo M, Salanti A, Black PC, Daugaard M. A simple method for detecting oncofetal chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans in bladder cancer urine. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:65. [PMID: 32793395 PMCID: PMC7385127 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00304-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteoglycans in bladder tumors are modified with a distinct oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (ofCS) glycosaminoglycan that is normally restricted to placental trophoblast cells. This ofCS-modification can be detected in bladder tumors by the malarial VAR2CSA protein, which in malaria pathogenesis mediates adherence of parasite-infected erythrocytes within the placenta. In bladder cancer, proteoglycans are constantly shed into the urine, and therefore have the potential to be used for detection of disease. In this study we investigated whether recombinant VAR2CSA (rVAR2) protein could be used to detect ofCS-modified proteoglycans (ofCSPGs) in the urine of bladder cancer patients as an indication of disease presence. We show that ofCSPGs in bladder cancer urine can be immobilized on cationic nitrocellulose membranes and subsequently probed for ofCS content by rVAR2 protein in a custom-made dot-blot assay. Patients with high-grade bladder tumors displayed a marked increase in urinary ofCSPGs as compared to healthy individuals. Urine ofCSPGs decreased significantly after complete tumor resection compared to matched urine collected preoperatively from patients with bladder cancer. Moreover, ofCSPGs in urine correlated with tumor size of bladder cancer patients. These findings demonstrate that rVAR2 can be utilized in a simple biochemical assay to detect cancer-specific ofCS-modifications in the urine of bladder cancer patients, which may be further developed as a noninvasive approach to detect and monitor the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Mandel Clausen
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gunjan Kumar
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Emilie K. Ibsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maj S. Ørum-Madsen
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Antonio Hurtado-Coll
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Tobias Gustavsson
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Ø. Agerbæk
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- VarCT Diagnostics ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesco Gatto
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
- Present Address: Elypta AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tilman Todenhöfer
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Studienpraxis Urologie, Clinical Trial Unit, Steinengrabenstr. 17, Nürtingen, Germany
| | - Umberto Basso
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IOV – IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Margaret A. Knowles
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter C. Black
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Mads Daugaard
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC Canada
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Circulating Cytokines Associated with Poor Pregnancy Outcomes in Beninese Exposed to Infection with Plasmodium falciparum. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00042-20. [PMID: 32513854 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00042-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria during pregnancy is a major cause of maternal morbidity as well as fetal and neonatal mortality. Previous studies, including our own, suggested that placental and peripheral cytokine and chemokine levels measured at delivery can be used as biomarkers for pregnancy outcomes. However, the timing of malaria infection during pregnancy matters, and these studies do not address the effect of different cytokines in peripheral blood plasma samples taken at early and midpregnancy and at delivery. Here, we aimed to investigate whether peripheral plasma cytokine levels were associated with pregnancy outcomes in a cohort of 400 Beninese pregnant women. Using a high-sensitivity cytometry-based method, we quantified the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-10, IL-12p70, and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in peripheral plasma samples taken at two time points during pregnancy and at delivery in various groups of pregnant women identified with Plasmodium falciparum infection, with anemia, with preterm births, or giving birth to babies who are small for their gestational age. We found that, consistently at all time points, elevated levels of IL-10 were strongly and significantly associated with P. falciparum infection, while the levels of IFN-γ at inclusion and delivery were weakly but also significantly associated. Low levels of IL-5 at delivery were associated with a greater risk of both preterm births and small-for-gestational-age babies. The immunosuppressive effects of IL-10 likely affect the overall cytokine equilibrium during pregnancy in women harboring P. falciparum infections. Our findings highlight the peripheral signature of pregnancy outcomes and strengthen the idea of using cytokines as diagnostic or prognostic markers.
Collapse
|
37
|
McKinney KL, Wu HM, Tan KR, Gutman JR. Malaria in the pregnant traveler. J Travel Med 2020; 27:taaa074. [PMID: 32419013 PMCID: PMC10956547 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant travelers face numerous risks, notably increased susceptibility to or severity of multiple infections, including malaria. Because pregnant women residing in areas non-endemic for malaria are unlikely to have protective immunity, travel to endemic areas poses risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications, such as low birthweight and fetal loss. If travel to malaria-endemic areas cannot be avoided, preventive measures are critical. However, malaria chemoprophylaxis in pregnancy can be challenging, since commonly used regimens have varying levels of safety data and national guidelines differ. Furthermore, although chloroquine and mefloquine have wide acceptance for use in pregnancy, regional malaria resistance and non-pregnancy contraindications limit their use. Mosquito repellents, including N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) and permethrin treatment of clothing, are considered safe in pregnancy and important to prevent malaria as well as other arthropod-borne infections such as Zika virus infection. Pregnant travelers at risk for malaria exposure should be advised to seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms of illness, particularly fever, develop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly L. McKinney
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, USA
| | - Henry M. Wu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kathrine R. Tan
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julie R. Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Moeller SL, Nyengaard JR, Larsen LG, Nielsen K, Bygbjerg IC, Msemo OA, Lusingu JPA, Minja DTR, Theander TG, Schmiegelow C. Malaria in Early Pregnancy and the Development of the Placental Vasculature. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:1425-1434. [PMID: 30590576 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy malaria has a negative impact on fetal outcome. It is uncertain whether infections in early pregnancy have a clinical impact by impeding the development of the placental vasculature. METHODS Tanzanian women (n = 138) were closely monitored during pregnancy. Placentas collected at birth were investigated using stereology to establish the characteristics of placental villi and vessels. Placental vasculature measures were compared between women infected with malaria and controls. RESULTS Compared with controls, placentas from women infected with malaria before a gestational age (GA) of 15 weeks had a decreased volume of transport villi (mean decrease [standard deviation], 12.45 [5.39] cm3; P = .02), an increased diffusion distance in diffusion vessels (mean increase, 3.33 [1.27] µm; P = .01), and a compensatory increase in diffusion vessel surface area (mean increase, 1.81 [0.74 m2]; P = .02). In women who had malaria before a GA of 15 weeks diffusion vessel surface area and transport vessel length distance were positive predictors for birth weight (multilinear regression: P = .007 and P = .055 for diffusion surface area and transport length, respectively) and GA at delivery (P = .005 and P = .04). CONCLUSIONS Malaria infection in early pregnancy impedes placental vascular development. The resulting phenotypic changes, which can be detected at delivery, are associated with birth weight and gestational length. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT02191683.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens R Nyengaard
- Core Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University
| | - Lise G Larsen
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Naestved, Denmark
| | | | - Ib C Bygbjerg
- Division of Global Health, Department of Public Health
| | | | - John P A Lusingu
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | | | - Thor G Theander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen
| | - Christentze Schmiegelow
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Toledo AG, Pihl J, Spliid CB, Persson A, Nilsson J, Pereira MA, Gustavsson T, Choudhary S, Oo HZ, Black PC, Daugaard M, Esko JD, Larson G, Salanti A, Clausen TM. An affinity chromatography and glycoproteomics workflow to profile the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans that interact with malarial VAR2CSA in the placenta and in cancer. Glycobiology 2020; 30:989-1002. [PMID: 32337544 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwaa039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is the placental receptor for the VAR2CSA malaria protein, expressed at the surface of infected erythrocytes during Plasmodium falciparum infection. Infected cells adhere to syncytiotrophoblasts or get trapped within the intervillous space by binding to a determinant in a 4-O-sulfated CS chains. However, the exact structure of these glycan sequences remains unclear. VAR2CSA-reactive CS is also expressed by tumor cells, making it an attractive target for cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. The identities of the proteoglycans carrying these modifications in placental and cancer tissues remain poorly characterized. This information is clinically relevant since presentation of the glycan chains may be mediated by novel core proteins or by a limited subset of established proteoglycans. To address this question, VAR2CSA-binding proteoglycans were affinity-purified from the human placenta, tumor tissues and cancer cells and analyzed through a specialized glycoproteomics workflow. We show that VAR2CSA-reactive CS chains associate with a heterogenous group of proteoglycans, including novel core proteins. Additionally, this work demonstrates how affinity purification in combination with glycoproteomics analysis can facilitate the characterization of CSPGs with distinct CS epitopes. A similar workflow can be applied to investigate the interaction of CSPGs with other CS binding lectins as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Gómez Toledo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jessica Pihl
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte B Spliid
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrea Persson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of SE405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas Nilsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of SE405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marina Ayres Pereira
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tobias Gustavsson
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Swati Choudhary
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Htoo Zarni Oo
- Vancouver Prostate Center, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Peter C Black
- Vancouver Prostate Center, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Mads Daugaard
- Vancouver Prostate Center, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Jeffrey D Esko
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Göran Larson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of SE405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Mandel Clausen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Oncofetal Chondroitin Sulfate: A Putative Therapeutic Target in Adult and Pediatric Solid Tumors. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040818. [PMID: 32231047 PMCID: PMC7226838 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors remain a major challenge for targeted therapeutic intervention strategies such as antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapy. At a minimum, clear and actionable solid tumor targets have to comply with the key biological requirement of being differentially over-expressed in solid tumors and metastasis, in contrast to healthy organs. Oncofetal chondroitin sulfate is a cancer-specific secondary glycosaminoglycan modification to proteoglycans expressed in a variety of solid tumors and metastasis. Normally, this modification is found to be exclusively expressed in the placenta, where it is thought to facilitate normal placental implantation during pregnancy. Informed by this biology, oncofetal chondroitin sulfate is currently under investigation as a broad and specific target in solid tumors. Here, we discuss oncofetal chondroitin sulfate as a potential therapeutic target in childhood solid tumors in the context of current knowhow obtained over the past five years in adult cancers.
Collapse
|
41
|
Cutts JC, Agius PA, Zaw Lin, Powell R, Moore K, Draper B, Simpson JA, Fowkes FJI. Pregnancy-specific malarial immunity and risk of malaria in pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: a systematic review. BMC Med 2020; 18:14. [PMID: 31941488 PMCID: PMC6964062 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1467-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In endemic areas, pregnant women are highly susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum malaria characterized by the accumulation of parasitized red blood cells (pRBC) in the placenta. In subsequent pregnancies, women develop protective immunity to pregnancy-associated malaria and this has been hypothesized to be due to the acquisition of antibodies to the parasite variant surface antigen VAR2CSA. In this systematic review we provide the first synthesis of the association between antibodies to pregnancy-specific P. falciparum antigens and pregnancy and birth outcomes. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies (published up to 07 June 2019) of pregnant women living in P. falciparum endemic areas that examined antibody responses to pregnancy-specific P. falciparum antigens and outcomes including placental malaria, low birthweight, preterm birth, peripheral parasitaemia, maternal anaemia, and severe malaria. RESULTS We searched 6 databases and identified 33 studies (30 from Africa) that met predetermined inclusion and quality criteria: 16 studies contributed estimates in a format enabling inclusion in meta-analysis and 17 were included in narrative form only. Estimates were mostly from cross-sectional data (10 studies) and were heterogeneous in terms of magnitude and direction of effect. Included studies varied in terms of antigens tested, methodology used to measure antibody responses, and epidemiological setting. Antibody responses to pregnancy-specific pRBC and VAR2CSA antigens, measured at delivery, were associated with placental malaria (9 studies) and may therefore represent markers of infection, rather than correlates of protection. Antibody responses to pregnancy-specific pRBC, but not recombinant VAR2CSA antigens, were associated with trends towards protection from low birthweight (5 studies). CONCLUSIONS Whilst antibody responses to several antigens were positively associated with the presence of placental and peripheral infections, this review did not identify evidence that any specific antibody response is associated with protection from pregnancy-associated malaria across multiple populations. Further prospective cohort studies using standardized laboratory methods to examine responses to a broad range of antigens in different epidemiological settings and throughout the gestational period, will be necessary to identify and prioritize pregnancy-specific P. falciparum antigens to advance the development of vaccines and serosurveillance tools targeting pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Cutts
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.
| | - Paul A Agius
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zaw Lin
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rosanna Powell
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Kerryn Moore
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bridget Draper
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Freya J I Fowkes
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia. .,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. .,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Malaria-Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Guinea. J Trop Med 2019; 2019:3925094. [PMID: 31885633 PMCID: PMC6925697 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3925094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Malaria is the leading cause of consultation in Guinea health facilities. During pregnancy, it remains a major health concern causing considerable risks for mother, fetus, and newborn. However, little is known about the epidemiology of malaria among pregnant women in Guinea. We aimed to provide information on malaria-associated factors in parturients. Methods It was a cross-sectional survey in two regional hospitals and two district hospitals. 1000 parturients and their newborns were surveyed. All patients were interviewed, and thick and thin blood smears were examined. To determine the predictive factors of malaria in parturients, the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) was first performed by using peripheral and placental malaria as dependent variables and sociodemographic and antenatal characteristics as independent variables; then, explanatory profile variables or clusters from these trees were included in the logistic regression models. Results We found 157 (15.8%) and 148 (14.8%) cases of peripheral and placental malaria, respectively. The regular use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) before delivery was 53.8%, and only 35.5% used sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine doses ≥3. Factors significantly associated with malaria were as follows: women from Forécariah and Guéckédou who did not regularly use LLINs and accomplished less than four antenatal care visits (ANC <4) and primigravid and paucigravid women who did not regularly use LLINs. Similarly, the odds of having malaria infection were significantly higher among women who had not regularly used LLINs and among primigravid and paucigravid women who had regularly used LLINs compared to multigravida women who had regularly used LLINs. Conclusion This study showed that pregnant women remain particularly vulnerable to malaria; therefore, strengthening antenatal care visit strategies by emphasizing on promoting the use of LLINs and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, sexual education about early pregnancies, and family or community support during first pregnancies might be helpful.
Collapse
|
43
|
Moxon CA, Gibbins MP, McGuinness D, Milner DA, Marti M. New Insights into Malaria Pathogenesis. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2019; 15:315-343. [PMID: 31648610 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-012419-032640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains a major public health threat in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. Even though less than 1% of malaria infections are fatal, this leads to about 430,000 deaths per year, predominantly in young children in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, it is imperative to understand why a subset of infected individuals develop severe syndromes and some of them die and what differentiates these cases from the majority that recovers. Here, we discuss progress made during the past decade in our understanding of malaria pathogenesis, focusing on the major human parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Moxon
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom; ,
| | - Matthew P Gibbins
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom; ,
| | - Dagmara McGuinness
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom; ,
| | - Danny A Milner
- American Society for Clinical Pathology, Chicago, Illinois 60603, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom; , .,Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Bang-Christensen SR, Pedersen RS, Pereira MA, Clausen TM, Løppke C, Sand NT, Ahrens TD, Jørgensen AM, Lim YC, Goksøyr L, Choudhary S, Gustavsson T, Dagil R, Daugaard M, Sander AF, Torp MH, Søgaard M, Theander TG, Østrup O, Lassen U, Hamerlik P, Salanti A, Agerbæk MØ. Capture and Detection of Circulating Glioma Cells Using the Recombinant VAR2CSA Malaria Protein. Cells 2019; 8:E998. [PMID: 31466397 PMCID: PMC6769911 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumor. Although extracranial metastases are rarely observed, recent studies have shown the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of glioma patients, confirming that a subset of tumor cells are capable of entering the circulation. The isolation and characterization of CTCs could provide a non-invasive method for repeated analysis of the mutational and phenotypic state of the tumor during the course of disease. However, the efficient detection of glioma CTCs has proven to be challenging due to the lack of consistently expressed tumor markers and high inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity. Thus, for this field to progress, an omnipresent but specific marker of glioma CTCs is required. In this article, we demonstrate how the recombinant malaria VAR2CSA protein (rVAR2) can be used for the capture and detection of glioma cell lines that are spiked into blood through binding to a cancer-specific oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (ofCS). When using rVAR2 pull-down from glioma cells, we identified a panel of proteoglycans, known to be essential for glioma progression. Finally, the clinical feasibility of this work is supported by the rVAR2-based isolation and detection of CTCs from glioma patient blood samples, which highlights ofCS as a potential clinical target for CTC isolation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Bang-Christensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- VarCT Diagnostics, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus S Pedersen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marina A Pereira
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas M Clausen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Løppke
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolai T Sand
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Theresa D Ahrens
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amalie M Jørgensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yi Chieh Lim
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise Goksøyr
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Swati Choudhary
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tobias Gustavsson
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert Dagil
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Daugaard
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, and Vancouver Prostate Centre, BC V6H 3Z6 Vancouver, Canada
| | - Adam F Sander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mathias H Torp
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Max Søgaard
- ExpreS2ion Biotechnologies, SCION-DTU Science Park, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Thor G Theander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Olga Østrup
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrik Lassen
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Petra Hamerlik
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Mette Ø Agerbæk
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department for Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Dysregulation of placental ABC transporters in a murine model of malaria-induced preterm labor. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11488. [PMID: 31391498 PMCID: PMC6685947 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47865-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria in Pregnancy (MiP) is characterized by placental accumulation of Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm delivery (PTD). Placental ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters mediate the efflux of nutrients, cytokines and xenobiotics. The expression and activity of these transporters are highly responsive to infection. We hypothesized that MiP would perturb the expression of placental ABC transporters, promoting PTD. Peripheral blood, spleens, livers and placentas of pregnant mice, infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA on gestational day (GD) 13.5, were collected and analyzed on GD18.5. The primary consequences of human MiP, including IUGR, PTD (20%) and placental inflammation, were recapitulated in our mouse model. Electron microscopy revealed attenuated presence of labyrinthine microvilli and dilated spongiotrophoblasts -granular endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. Additionally, a decrease in placental Abca1 (ABCA1), Abcb1b (P-glycoprotein), Abcb9 and Abcg2 (BCRP) expression was observed in MiP mice. In conclusion, MiP associated with PTD impairs placental ABC transporters’ expression, potentially modulating placental nutrient, environmental toxin and xenobiotic biodistribution within the fetal compartment, and may, at some degree, be involved with pregnancy outcome in MiP.
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
One hundred twenty-five million pregnant women are at risk for contracting malaria, a preventable cause of maternal and infant morbidity and death. Malaria parasites contribute to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes due to their preferential accumulation in placental intervillous spaces. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria infections, and malaria infections during pregnancy put their fetuses at risk. Malaria in pregnancy is associated with anemia, stillbirth, low birth weight and maternal and fetal death. We review the challenges to diagnosing malaria in pregnancy, as well as strategies to prevent and treat malaria in pregnancy. Finally, we discuss the current gaps in knowledge and potential areas for continued research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bauserman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Krysten North
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jackie Patterson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Carl Bose
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Steve Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gilligns School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Salinas ND, Tang WK, Tolia NH. Blood-Stage Malaria Parasite Antigens: Structure, Function, and Vaccine Potential. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:4259-4280. [PMID: 31103771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites are the causative agent of malaria, a disease that kills approximately 450,000 individuals annually, with the majority of deaths occurring in children under the age of 5 years and the development of a malaria vaccine is a global health priority. Plasmodium parasites undergo a complex life cycle requiring numerous diverse protein families. The blood stage of parasite development results in the clinical manifestation of disease. A vaccine that disrupts the blood stage is highly desired and will aid in the control of malaria. The blood stage comprises multiple steps: invasion of, asexual growth within, and egress from red blood cells. This review focuses on blood-stage antigens with emphasis on antigen structure, antigen function, neutralizing antibodies, and vaccine potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nichole D Salinas
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD,, 20892, USA
| | - Wai Kwan Tang
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD,, 20892, USA
| | - Niraj H Tolia
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD,, 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Chondroitin Sulfate-Degrading Enzymes as Tools for the Development of New Pharmaceuticals. Catalysts 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/catal9040322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondroitin sulfates are linear anionic sulfated polysaccharides found in biological tissues, mainly within the extracellular matrix, which are degraded and altered by specific lyases depending on specific time points. These polysaccharides have recently acquired relevance in the pharmaceutical industry due to their interesting therapeutic applications. As a consequence, chondroitin sulfate (CS) lyases have been widely investigated as tools for the development of new pharmaceuticals based on these polysaccharides. This review focuses on the major breakthrough represented by chondroitin sulfate-degrading enzymes and their structures and mechanisms of function in addition to their major applications.
Collapse
|
49
|
Clark RL. Genesis of placental sequestration in malaria and possible targets for drugs for placental malaria. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:569-583. [PMID: 30919596 PMCID: PMC7432169 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Malaria during pregnancy results in intrauterine growth restriction, fetal anemia, and infant mortality. Women are more susceptible to malaria during pregnancy due to malaria‐induced inflammation and the sequestration of infected red blood cells in the placenta, which bind to the chondroitin sulfate portion of syndecan‐1 on the syncytiotrophoblast and in the intervillous space. Syndecan‐1 is a dimeric proteoglycan with an extracellular ectodomain that is cleaved from the transmembrane domain (referred to as “shedding”) by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), likely the secreted MMP‐9. The ectodomain includes four binding sites for chondroitin sulfate, which are proximal to the transmembrane domain, and six distal binding sites primarily for heparan sulfate. This “shedding” of syndecan‐1 is inhibited by the presence of the heparan sulfate chains, which can be removed by heparanase. The intervillous space contains fibrin strands and syndecan‐1 ectodomains free of heparan sulfate. The following is proposed as the sequence of events that leads to and is primarily responsible for sequestration in the intervillous space of the placenta. Inflammation associated with malaria triggers increased heparanase activity that degrades the heparan sulfate on the membrane‐bound syndecan‐1. Inflammation also upregulates MMP‐9 and the removal of heparan sulfate gives MMP‐9 access to cleave syndecan‐1, thereby releasing dimeric syndecan‐1 ectodomains with at least four chondroitin sulfate chains attached. These multivalent ectodomains bind infected RBCs together leading to their aggregation and entrapment in intervillous fibrin. This mechanism suggests possible new targets for anti‐placental malaria drugs such as the inhibition of MMP‐9. Doxycycline is an antimalarial drug which inhibits MMP‐9.
Collapse
|
50
|
Schmiegelow C, Matondo S, Minja DTR, Resende M, Pehrson C, Nielsen BB, Olomi R, Nielsen MA, Deloron P, Salanti A, Lusingu J, Theander TG. Plasmodium falciparum Infection Early in Pregnancy has Profound Consequences for Fetal Growth. J Infect Dis 2019; 216:1601-1610. [PMID: 29029247 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria during pregnancy constitutes a large health problem in areas of endemicity. The World Health Organization recommends that interventions are initiated at the first antenatal visit, and these improve pregnancy outcomes. This study evaluated fetal growth by ultrasonography and birth outcomes in women who were infected prior to the first antenatal visit (gestational age, <120 days) and not later in pregnancy. Compared with uninfected controls, women with early Plasmodium falciparum exposure had retarded intrauterine growth between gestational ages of 212 and 253 days (difference between means, 107 g [95% confidence interval {CI}, 26-188]; P = .0099) and a shorter pregnancy duration (difference between means, 6.6 days [95% CI, 1.0-112.5]; P = .0087). The birth weight (difference between means, 221 g [95% CI, 6-436]; P = .044) and the placental weight (difference between means, 84 g [95% CI, 18-150]; P = .013) at term were also reduced. The study suggests that early exposure to P. falciparum, which is not targeted for prevention by current control strategies, has a profound impact on fetal growth, pregnancy duration, and placental weight at term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christentze Schmiegelow
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Sungwa Matondo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania.,Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Daniel T R Minja
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Medical Research Center, Tanzania
| | - Mafalda Resende
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Caroline Pehrson
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Raimos Olomi
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania.,Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Morten A Nielsen
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Philippe Deloron
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR 216, MERIT, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de pharmacie, Paris, France
| | - Ali Salanti
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - John Lusingu
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.,National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Medical Research Center, Tanzania
| | - Thor G Theander
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|