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Das M, David D, Horo I, Van Hooij A, Tió-Coma M, Geluk A, Vedithi SC. Mycobacterium leprae and host immune transcriptomic signatures for reactional states in leprosy. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1113318. [PMID: 37051521 PMCID: PMC10083373 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1113318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMycobacterium leprae transcriptomic and human host immune gene expression signatures that demonstrate a plausible association with type I (T1R) and type II reactions (T2R) aid in early diagnosis, prevention of nerve damage and consequent demyelinating neuropathy in leprosy. The aim of the study is to identify M. leprae and host-associated gene-expression signatures that are associated with reactional states in leprosy.MethodsThe differentially expressed genes from the whole transcriptome of M. leprae were determined using genome-wide hybridization arrays with RNA extracted from skin biopsies of 20 T1R, 20 T2R and 20 non reactional controls (NR). Additionally, human immune gene-expressions were profiled using RT2-PCR profiler arrays and real-time qPCRs.ResultsThe RNA quality was optimal in 16 NR, 18 T1R and 19 T2R samples. Whole transcriptome expression array of these samples revealed significant upregulation of the genes that encode integral and intrinsic membrane proteins, hydrolases and oxidoreductases. In T1R lesional skin biopsy specimens, the top 10 significantly upregulated genes are ML2064, ML1271, ML1960, ML1220, ML2498, ML1996, ML2388, ML0429, ML2030 and ML0224 in comparison to NR. In T2R, genes ML2498, ML1526, ML0394, ML1960, ML2388, ML0429, ML0281, ML1847, ML1618 and ML1271 were significantly upregulated. We noted ML2664 was significantly upregulated in T1R and repressed in T2R. Conversely, we have not noted any genes upregulated in T2R and repressed in T1R. In both T1R and T2R, ML2388 was significantly upregulated. This gene encodes a probable membrane protein and epitope prediction using Bepipred-2.0 revealed a distinct B-cell epitope. Overexpression of ML2388 was noted consistently across the reaction samples. From the host immune gene expression profiles, genes for CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL2, CD40LG, IL17A and CXCL11 were upregulated in T1R when compared to the NR. In T2R, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL9, CXCL2 and CD40LG were upregulated when compared to the NR group.ConclusionA gene set signature involving bacterial genes ML2388, ML2664, and host immune genes CXCL10 and IL-17A can be transcriptomic markers for reactional states in leprosy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhusmita Das
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Division, Schieffelin Institute of Health Research and Leprosy Centre, Karigiri, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
- *Correspondence: Madhusmita Das,
| | - Diana David
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Division, Schieffelin Institute of Health Research and Leprosy Centre, Karigiri, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ilse Horo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Division, Schieffelin Institute of Health Research and Leprosy Centre, Karigiri, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anouk Van Hooij
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maria Tió-Coma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Geluk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
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Khan M, Khan S, Lohani M, Ahmed MM, Sharma D, Ishrat R, Ahmad S, Sherwani S, Haque S, Bhagwath SS. Assessment of key regulatory genes and identification of possible drug targets for Leprosy (Hansen's disease) using network-based approach. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2023:1-20. [PMID: 36696368 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2168509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Leprosy is a major health concern and continues to be a source of fear and stigma among people worldwide. Despite remarkable achievements in the treatment, understanding of pathogenesis and transmission, epidemiology of leprosy still remains inadequate. The prolonged incubation period, slow rates of occurrence in those exposed and deceptive clinical presentation pose challenges to develop reliable strategies to stop transmission. Hence, there is a need for improved diagnostics and therapies to prevent mortality caused by leprosy. The objectives of this study are to identify significant genes from protein-protein interactions (PPIs) network of leprosy and to choose the most effective therapeutic targets. Fifty genes related with leprosy were discovered by literature mining. These genes were used to construct a primary network. Leading Eigen Vector method was used to break down the primary network into various sub-networks or communities. It was found that the primary network was divided into many sub-networks at the 6 levels. Seed genes were traced at each level till key regulatory genes were identified. Three seed genes, namely, GNAI3, NOTCH1, and HIF1A, were able to make their way till the final motif stage. These genes along with their interacting partners were considered key regulators of the leprosy network. This study provides leprosy-associated key genes which can lead to improved diagnosis and therapies for leprosy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahvish Khan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saif Khan
- Department of Basic Dental and Medical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Ha'il University, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohtashim Lohani
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Murshad Ahmed
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Romana Ishrat
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Saheem Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Subuhi Sherwani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sundeep S Bhagwath
- Department of Basic Dental and Medical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Ha'il University, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
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Alonso-Hearn M, Badia-Bringué G, Canive M. Genome-wide association studies for the identification of cattle susceptible and resilient to paratuberculosis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:935133. [PMID: 36172612 PMCID: PMC9510743 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.935133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne's disease or paratuberculosis (PTB), with important animal health and economic implications. There are no therapeutic strategies to control this disease, and vaccination with inactivated vaccines is limited in many countries because it can interfere with the intradermal test used for bovine tuberculosis detection. Thus, infected animals either get culled after a positive ELISA or fecal PCR result or die due to clinical disease. In this study, we review recent studies aimed to discover genetic markers which could help to identify and select cattle less susceptible and more resilient to PTB. In recent years, the genotyping and subsequent imputation to whole-genome sequence (WGS) has allowed the identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), quantitative trait loci (QTL), and candidate genes in the Bos taurus genome associated with susceptibility to MAP infection. In most of these genome-wide association studies (GWAS), phenotypes were based on ante-mortem test results including serum ELISA, milk ELISA, and detection of MAP by fecal PCR and bacteriological culture. Cattle infected with MAP display lesions with distinct severity but the associations between host genetics and PTB-associated pathology had not been explored until very recently. On the contrary, the understanding of the mechanisms and genetic loci influencing pathogen resistance, and disease tolerance in asymptomatic individuals is currently very limited. The identification of long-time asymptomatic cattle that is able to resist the infection and/or tolerate the disease without having their health and milk production compromised is important for disease control and breeding purposes.
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Rosa TLSA, Mendes MA, Linhares NRC, Rodrigues TF, Dias AA, Leal-Calvo T, Gandini M, Ferreira H, Costa FDMR, Sales AM, Amadeu TP, Schmitz V, Pinheiro RO, Rodrigues LS, Moraes MO, Pessolani MCV. The Type I Interferon Pathway Is Upregulated in the Cutaneous Lesions and Blood of Multibacillary Leprosy Patients With Erythema Nodosum Leprosum. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:899998. [PMID: 35733868 PMCID: PMC9208291 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.899998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In leprosy patients, acute inflammatory episodes, known as erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), are responsible for high morbidity and tissue damage that occur during the course of Mycobacterium leprae infection. In a previous study, we showed evidence implicating DNA-sensing via TLR9 as an important inflammatory pathway in ENL. A likely important consequence of TLR9 pathway activation is the production of type I interferons (IFN-I) by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), also implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated whether the IFN-I pathway is activated during ENL. Blood samples and skin lesions from multibacillary patients diagnosed with ENL were collected and the expression of genes of the IFN-I pathway and interferon-stimulated genes were compared with samples collected from non-reactional multibacillary (NR) patients. Whole blood RNAseq analysis suggested higher activation of the IFN-I pathway in ENL patients, confirmed by RT-qPCR. Likewise, significantly higher mRNA levels of IFN-I-related genes were detected in ENL skin biopsies when compared to NR patient lesions. During thalidomide administration, the drug of choice for ENL treatment, a decrease in the mRNA and protein levels of some of these genes both in the skin and blood was observed. Indeed, in vitro assays showed that thalidomide was able to block the secretion of IFN-I by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to M. leprae sonicate or CpG-A, a TLR9 ligand. Finally, the decreased frequencies of peripheral pDCs in ENL patients, along with the higher TLR9 expression in ENL pDCs and the enrichment of CD123+ cells in ENL skin lesions, suggest the involvement of these cells as IFN-I producers in this type of reaction. Taken together, our data point to the involvement of the pDC/type I IFN pathway in the pathogenesis of ENL, opening new avenues in identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis and new therapeutic targets for the better management of this reactional episode.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mayara Abud Mendes
- Laboratory of Leprosy, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Natasha Ribeiro Cardoso Linhares
- Laboratory of Cellular Microbiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Medical Science Faculty, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thais Fernanda Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Cellular Microbiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Alves Dias
- Laboratory of Cellular Microbiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thyago Leal-Calvo
- Laboratory of Leprosy, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Gandini
- Laboratory of Cellular Microbiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helen Ferreira
- Laboratory of Leprosy, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Anna Maria Sales
- Laboratory of Leprosy, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thaís Porto Amadeu
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Medical Science Faculty, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Veronica Schmitz
- Laboratory of Leprosy, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Roberta Olmo Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Leprosy, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Silva Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Medical Science Faculty, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Milton Ozório Moraes
- Laboratory of Leprosy, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Vidal Pessolani
- Laboratory of Cellular Microbiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Maria Cristina Vidal Pessolani,
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Forrester S, Goundry A, Dias BT, Leal-Calvo T, Moraes MO, Kaye PM, Mottram JC, Lima APCA. Tissue Specific Dual RNA-Seq Defines Host-Parasite Interplay in Murine Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0067922. [PMID: 35384718 PMCID: PMC9045295 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00679-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is associated with hepato-splenomegaly and altered immune and hematological parameters in both preclinical animal models and humans. We studied mouse experimental visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum and Leishmania donovani in BALB/c mice using dual RNA-seq to investigate the transcriptional response of host and parasite in liver and spleen. We identified only 4 species-specific parasite expressed genes (SSPEGs; log2FC >1, FDR <0.05) in the infected spleen, and none in the infected liver. For the host transcriptome, we found 789 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; log2FC >1, FDR <0.05) in the spleen that were common to both infections, with IFNγ signaling and complement and coagulation cascade pathways highly enriched, and an additional 286 and 186 DEGs that were selective to L. donovani and L. infantum infection, respectively. Among those, there were network interactions between genes of amino acid metabolism and PPAR signaling in L. donovani infection and increased IL1β and positive regulation of fatty acid transport in L. infantum infection, although no pathway enrichment was observed. In the liver, there were 1,939 DEGs in mice infected with either L. infantum or L. donovani in comparison to uninfected mice, and the most enriched pathways were IFNγ signaling, neutrophil mediated immunity, complement and coagulation, cytokine-chemokine responses, and hemostasis. Additionally, 221 DEGs were selective in L. donovani and 429 DEGs in L. infantum infections. These data show that the host response for these two visceral leishmaniasis infection models is broadly similar, and ∼10% of host DEGs vary in infections with either parasite species. IMPORTANCE Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by two species of Leishmania parasites, L. donovani in the Old World and L. infantum in the New World and countries bordering the Mediterranean. Although cardinal features such as hepato-splenomegaly and alterations in blood and immune function are evident, clinical presentation may vary by geography, with for example severe bleeding often associated with VL in Brazil. Although animal models of both L. donovani and L. infantum have been widely used to study disease pathogenesis, a direct side-by-side comparison of how these parasites species impact the infected host and/or how they might respond to the stresses of mammalian infection has not been previously reported. Identifying common and distinct pathways to pathogenesis will be important to ensure that new therapeutic or prophylactic approaches will be applicable across all forms of VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Forrester
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Goundry
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruna Torres Dias
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paul M. Kaye
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy C. Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Paula C. A. Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Froes LAR, Sotto MN, Trindade MAB. Leprosy: clinical and immunopathological characteristics. An Bras Dermatol 2022; 97:338-347. [PMID: 35379512 PMCID: PMC9133310 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Leprosy, a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, has polymorphic neurocutaneous manifestations strongly correlated with the host immune response. Peripheral neural damage can lead to sensory and motor losses, as well as deformities of the hands and feet. Both innate and acquired immune responses are involved, but the disease has been classically described along a Th1/Th2 spectrum, where the Th1 pole corresponds to the more limited presentations and the Th2 to the multibacillary ones. The aim of this review is to discuss this dichotomy in light of the current knowledge of the cytokines, T helper subpopulations, and regulatory T cells involved in each presentation of leprosy. The text will also address leprosy reactions related to increased inflammatory activity in both limited and multibacillary presentations, leading to exacerbation of chronic signs and symptoms and/or the development of new ones. Despite the efforts of many research groups around the world, there is no standardized serological test/biological marker for diagnosis so far, even in endemic areas, which could contribute to the eradication of leprosy.
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Klowak M, Boggild AK. A review of nutrition in neuropathic pain of leprosy. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2022; 9:20499361221102663. [PMID: 35677111 PMCID: PMC9168857 DOI: 10.1177/20499361221102663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that continues to burden low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), despite being eliminated as a public health concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000. The causative agents, Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis, affect nearly 200,000 individuals globally each year, with over 19,000 new cases detected in the Americas in 2020 alone. Canada has experienced an increasing incidence of leprosy, due to rising levels of travel and migration from endemic areas, reaching over 37,000 individuals with leprosy by the end of 2020. Patients experience a spectrum of signs and symptoms including hypopigmented cutaneous macules alongside peripheral neuropathy including peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) and disabling sensory neuropathies. Despite the development of effective and curative therapeutics via multidrug therapy (MDT), many barriers to treatment adherence and effective immunological control of the pathogen challenge the care of patients with leprosy. Socioeconomic barriers, such as disability-related social stigma and often undiagnosed nutritional deficiencies, have resulted in heightened disease severity. PNP therapeutics are associated with significant side effects and remain ineffective as the majority of individuals will not experience a greater than 30% reduction of symptoms. Nutrient supplementation is known to be instrumental in reducing host oxidative stress, strengthening the immune system and mitigating comorbidities. Likewise, dietary lifestyle interventions known to be physiologically beneficial have recently emerged as powerful tools conferring neuroprotective effects, potentially mitigating PNP severity. However, a significant knowledge gap concerning the effect of adequate nutrition on host immunological control of leprosy and PNP severity exists. Further evaluation of this relationship will provide key insight into the pathogenesis of leprosy, strengthening the current body of literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Klowak
- Institute of Medical Science, University of
Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea K. Boggild
- Tropical Disease Unit, Toronto General
Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, 13EN-218, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of
Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto,
Toronto, ON, Canada
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