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de Araujo-Silva CA, Peclat-Araujo MR, de Souza W, Vommaro RC. An alternative method to establish an early acute ocular toxoplasmosis model for experimental tests. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:73. [PMID: 38349587 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-02985-2] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide a simple alternative acute ocular toxoplasmosis model with great reproducibility for experimental tests that demand monitoring of the ocular lesion. METHODS ME49-wt and ME49-GFP tachyzoites from cell culture were used to infect male C57BL6 mice by intraperitoneal injection. B1 expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to detect the presence of T. gondii in ocular tissue at the beginning of the infection. Fluorescence microscopy and histopathology analysis were carried out to assess the evolution of the acute infection up to 20 days in both eyes of infected mice. RESULTS All mice infected with the 104 tachyzoites showed B1 expression in the retina of both eyes, in the RPE (retinal pigment epithelium), and choroid structures, after 5 days of infection. Tachyzoites of the ME49-GFP strain were easily detected by fluorescence microscopy in the retina tissue of mice after 5 days post-infection. After 20 days, mice inflammatory cell infiltrates and a disorganized morphology of the retinal laminar architecture were observed. CONCLUSION Infection of C57BL6 mice via intraperitoneal with 104 tachyzoites of the ME49-GFP strain from cell culture is a suitable model for acute ocular toxoplasmosis. This model has great reproducibility in establishing the ocular lesion since day 5 post-infection. This model can be suitable for experimental tests of chemotherapy and the investigation of the role of the immune response on the development of uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlla Assis de Araujo-Silva
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina de Precisão, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-904, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Milena Ribeiro Peclat-Araujo
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina de Precisão, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-904, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina de Precisão, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-904, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rossiane Claudia Vommaro
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina de Precisão, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-904, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagens, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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de Campos VS, Magalhães CF, da Rosa BG, dos Santos CM, Fragel-Madeira L, Figueiredo DP, Calaza KC, Adesse D. Maternal Toxoplasma gondii infection affects proliferation, differentiation and cell cycle regulation of retinal neural progenitor cells in mouse embryo. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1211446. [PMID: 37545879 PMCID: PMC10400775 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1211446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis affects one third of the world population and has the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii as etiological agent. Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) can cause severe damage to the fetus, including miscarriages, intracranial calcification, hydrocephalus and retinochoroiditis. Severity of CT depends on the gestational period in which infection occurs, and alterations at the cellular level during retinal development have been reported. In this study, we proposed a mouse CT model to investigate the impact of infection on retinal development. Methods Pregnant females of pigmented C57BL/6 strain mice were infected intragastrically with two T. gondii cysts (ME49 strain) at embryonic day 10 (E10), and the offspring were analyzed at E18. Results Infected embryos had significantly smaller body sizes and weights than the PBS-treated controls, indicating that embryonic development was affected. In the retina, a significant increase in the number of Ki-67-positive cells (marker of proliferating cells) was found in the apical region of the NBL of infected mice compared to the control. Supporting this, cell cycle proteins Cyclin D3, Cdk6 and pChK2 were significantly altered in infected retinas. Interestingly, the immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant increase in the population of β-III-tubulin-positive cells, one of the earliest markers of neuronal differentiation. Conclusions Our data suggests that CT affects cell cycle progression in retinal progenitor cells, possibly inducing the arrest of these cells at G2/M phase. Such alterations could influence the differentiation, anticipating/increasing neuronal maturation, and therefore leading to abnormal retinal formation. Our model mimics important events observed in ocular CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Souza de Campos
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Retina, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Camila Feitosa Magalhães
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Retina, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Barbara Gomes da Rosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Lucianne Fragel-Madeira
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Regeneração Neural, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Danniel Pereira Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Retina, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Karin C. Calaza
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Retina, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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Gao N, Wang C, Yu Y, Xie L, Xing Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wu J, Cai Y. LFA-1/ ICAM-1 promotes NK cell cytotoxicity associated with the pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis in murine model. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010848. [PMID: 36206304 PMCID: PMC9581422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is one of the most common causes of posterior uveitis. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of OT have not been well elucidated. Here, we used C57BL/6 (B6) mice to establish OT by peroral infection with 20 cysts of the TgCtWh6 strain, and severe ocular damage was observed by histopathological analysis in the eyes of infected mice. RNA-sequencing results showed that infection with T. gondii increased the expression of the NK-mediated cytotoxicity gene pathway at Day 30 after ocular T. gondii infection. Both NK-cell and CD49a+ NK-cell subsets are increased in ocular tissues, and the expression levels of LFA-1 in NK cells and ICAM-1 in the OT murine model were upregulated upon infection. Furthermore, inhibition of the interaction between LFA-1 and ICAM-1 with lifitegrast, a novel small molecule integrin antagonist, inhibited the protein expression of LFA-1 and ICAM-1 in murine OT and NK cells, improved the pathology of murine OT and influenced the secretion of cytokines in the OT murine model. In conclusion, the interaction between LFA-1 and ICAM-1 plays a role in the early regulation of the CD49a+ NK-cell proportion in an OT murine model. LFA-1/ ICAM-1 may be a key molecule in the pathogenesis of OT, and may provide new insights for potential immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Gao
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, the Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Anhui, and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, the Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Anhui, and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yiran Yu
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, the Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Anhui, and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Linding Xie
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, the Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Anhui, and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yien Xing
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, the Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Anhui, and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, the Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Anhui, and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, the Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Anhui, and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jianjun Wu
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
- * E-mail: (J W); (Y C)
| | - Yihong Cai
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, the Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Anhui, and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- * E-mail: (J W); (Y C)
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Toutée A, Orès R, Mrejen S, Bodaghi B, Kobal A, Merabet L, Brignole-Baudouin F, Sahel JA, Nghiem-Buffet S, Errera MH. NEW OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY FINDINGS ON AN INTRARETINAL VASCULAR PROCESS SECONDARY TO TOXOPLASMA RETINOCHOROIDITIS: 2 CASE REPORTS. Retin Cases Brief Rep 2022; 16:212-217. [PMID: 31568221 DOI: 10.1097/icb.0000000000000926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE To determine which retinal layer is primarily involved in intraretinal vascular processes associated with Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis using multimodal imaging, including optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS Toxoplasma retinal lesions were analyzed through multimodal imaging, including color fundus photographs, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, spectral-domain OCT, and OCTA. RESULTS Two patients with atypical features of Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis are described in the acute phase. The first patient presented with a primary episode of acute Toxoplasma retinitis associated with an intraretinal abnormal vascular process that was detected at the acute phase by indocyanine green angiography and was better delineated by OCTA. Seven months later, the intraretinal vascular process had fully resolved on OCTA imaging. The second patient presented with a recurrence of active Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis adjacent to a pre-existing pigmented scar. He had a similar abnormal intraretinal vascular process that was identified on both fluorescein angiography at the early phase and indocyanine green angiography, which was also confirmed by OCTA imaging. CONCLUSION We report a new finding associated with Toxoplasma chorioretinitis: an abnormal intraretinal vascular process that resolved without anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy but after toxoplasmosis treatment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélaïde Toutée
- Quinze-Vingts National Eye Hospital, DHU Sight Restore, Paris, France
| | - Raphaëlle Orès
- Quinze-Vingts National Eye Hospital, DHU Sight Restore, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Mrejen
- Quinze-Vingts National Eye Hospital, DHU Sight Restore, Paris, France
- Centre d'Imagerie et de Laser, Paris, France
| | - Bahram Bodaghi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hôpital Pitié Salpétrière, Paris, France
- Sorbonne University, Paris, France ; and
| | - Alfred Kobal
- Quinze-Vingts National Eye Hospital, DHU Sight Restore, Paris, France
| | - Lilia Merabet
- Quinze-Vingts National Eye Hospital, DHU Sight Restore, Paris, France
| | | | - José-Alain Sahel
- Quinze-Vingts National Eye Hospital, DHU Sight Restore, Paris, France
- Sorbonne University, Paris, France ; and
| | | | - Marie-Hélène Errera
- Quinze-Vingts National Eye Hospital, DHU Sight Restore, Paris, France
- Sorbonne University, Paris, France ; and
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Zicarelli F, Pichi F, Parrulli S, Oldani M, Mapelli C, Riva A, Agarwal A, Viola F, Staurenghi G, Invernizzi A. Acute Posterior Ocular Toxoplasmosis: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Dye Angiography Study. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2021; 30:541-545. [PMID: 34637664 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1977831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare Indocyanine Green (ICGA) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) findings in toxoplasmic chorioretinitis (TCR). METHODS Patients affected by active TCR were included. FFA, ICGA, and OCTA images were analyzed and lesions were compared between different modalities. Satellite dark dots (SDD) were compared between modalities. RESULTS Fifteen patients were enrolled. The mean lesion area was similar between fundus photography (FP), FFA, and OCTA-Retina. The mean lesion area was similar between ICGA and OCTA-Choroid slab. ICGA and OCTA-Choroid showed a larger extension of the lesion compared to FP, FFA, and OCTA-Retina (p = .01, 0.0001, and 0.0002 for ICG angiography and p = .03, 0.008, and 0.0002 for OCTA-Choroid, respectively). On OCTA B-scans, the retinal flow defects were smaller than the underlying choroidal non-perfusion. The number of SDD was similar between ICGA and OCTA. CONCLUSIONS OCTA is a reliable method to assess retinal and choroidal involvement in TCR. OCTA confirmed a wider involvement of the choroid than the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Zicarelli
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "Luigi Sacco," Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Pichi
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Salvatore Parrulli
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "Luigi Sacco," Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Oldani
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "Luigi Sacco," Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Mapelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Ophthalmological Unit, Irccs-cà Grande Foundation-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Agostino Riva
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asst Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Aniruddha Agarwal
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Francesco Viola
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Ophthalmological Unit, Irccs-cà Grande Foundation-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Staurenghi
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "Luigi Sacco," Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Invernizzi
- Eye Clinic, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science "Luigi Sacco," Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,The University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute, Discipline of Ophthalmology, Sydney Medical School, Sydney, Australia
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6
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Protection and Immune Responses Elicited by rSAG1-PLGA Nanoparticles in C57BL/6 Against Toxoplasma gondii. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.52547/jommid.9.1.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
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de Campos VS, Calaza KC, Adesse D. Implications of TORCH Diseases in Retinal Development-Special Focus on Congenital Toxoplasmosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:585727. [PMID: 33194824 PMCID: PMC7649341 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.585727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There are certain critical periods during pregnancy when the fetus is at high risk for exposure to teratogens. Some microorganisms, including Toxoplasma gondii, are known to exhibit teratogenic effects, interfering with fetal development and causing irreversible disturbances. T. gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite and the etiological agent of Toxoplasmosis, a zoonosis that affects one third of the world's population. Although congenital infection can cause severe fetal damage, the injury extension depends on the gestational period of infection, among other factors, like parasite genotype and host immunity. This parasite invades the Central Nervous System (CNS), forming tissue cysts, and can interfere with neurodevelopment, leading to frequent neurological abnormalities associated with T. gondii infection. Therefore, T. gondii is included in the TORCH complex of infectious diseases that may lead to neurological malformations (Toxoplasmosis, Others, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes). The retina is part of CNS, as it is derived from the diencephalon. Except for astrocytes and microglia, retinal cells originate from multipotent neural progenitors. After cell cycle exit, cells migrate to specific layers, undergo morphological and neurochemical differentiation, form synapses and establish their circuits. The retina is organized in nuclear layers intercalated by plexus, responsible for translating and preprocessing light stimuli and for sending this information to the brain visual nuclei for image perception. Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is a very debilitating condition and may present high severity in areas in which virulent strains are found. However, little is known about the effect of congenital infection on the biology of retinal progenitors/ immature cells and how this infection may affect the development of this tissue. In this context, this study reviews the effects that congenital infections may cause to the developing retina and the cellular and molecular aspects of these diseases, with special focus on congenital OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Souza de Campos
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Retina, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karin C. Calaza
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Retina, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Smith JR, Ashander LM, Arruda SL, Cordeiro CA, Lie S, Rochet E, Belfort R, Furtado JM. Pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 81:100882. [PMID: 32717377 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis is a retinitis -almost always accompanied by vitritis and choroiditis- caused by intraocular infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Depending on retinal location, this condition may cause substantial vision impairment. T. gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, with both sexual and asexual life cycles, and infection is typically contracted orally by consuming encysted bradyzoites in undercooked meat, or oocysts on unwashed garden produce or in contaminated water. Presently available anti-parasitic drugs cannot eliminate T. gondii from the body. In vitro studies using T. gondii tachyzoites, and human retinal cells and tissue have provided important insights into the pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis. T. gondii may cross the vascular endothelium to access human retina by at least three routes: in leukocyte taxis; as a transmigrating tachyzoite; and after infecting endothelial cells. The parasite is capable of navigating the human neuroretina, gaining access to a range of cell populations. Retinal Müller glial cells are preferred initial host cells. T. gondii infection of the retinal pigment epithelial cells alters the secretion of growth factors and induces proliferation of adjacent uninfected epithelial cells. This increases susceptibility of the cells to parasite infection, and may be the basis of the characteristic hyperpigmented toxoplasmic retinal lesion. Infected epithelial cells also generate a vigorous immunologic response, and influence the activity of leukocytes that infiltrate the retina. A range of T. gondii genotypes are associated with human ocular toxoplasmosis, and individual immunogenetics -including polymorphisms in genes encoding innate immune receptors, human leukocyte antigens and cytokines- impacts the clinical manifestations. Research into basic pathogenic mechanisms of ocular toxoplasmosis highlights the importance of prevention and suggests new biological drug targets for established disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine R Smith
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA.
| | - Liam M Ashander
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Sigrid L Arruda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Cynthia A Cordeiro
- Cordeiro et Costa Ophtalmologie, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil; Formerly of Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Minas Gerais School of Medicine, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Shervi Lie
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elise Rochet
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rubens Belfort
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João M Furtado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
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9
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Quan JH, Ismail HAHA, Cha GH, Jo YJ, Gao FF, Choi IW, Chu JQ, Yuk JM, Lee YH. VEGF Production Is Regulated by the AKT/ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway and Controls the Proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii in ARPE-19 Cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:184. [PMID: 32432052 PMCID: PMC7216739 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is the primary site of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the eye, and choroidal neovascularization in ocular toxoplasmosis is one of the most important causes of visual impairment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the key regulators of blood vessel development, however, little is known about the mechanisms of T. gondii-induced VEGF production in ocular toxoplasmosis. Here, we investigate the effect of T. gondii on VEGF production regulation in human retinal pigment epithelium ARPE-19 cells and attempted to unveil the underlying mechanism of this event by focusing on the interaction between parasite and the selected host intracellular signaling pathways. T. gondii infection increased the expression of VEGF mRNA and protein in ARPE-19 cells in parasite burden- and infection time-dependent manner. The proportional increase of VEGF upstream regulators, HIF-1α and HO-1, was also observed. T. gondii induced the activation of host p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, and p-p38 MAPK in ARPE-19 cells in a parasite-burden dependent manner. However, VEGF expression decreased after the pre-treatment with PI3K inhibitors (LY294002 and GDC-0941), ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD098059), and p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), but not JNK inhibitor (SP600125), in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-VEGF agent bevacizumab or VEGF siRNA transfection prominently inhibited the activation of p-AKT and p-ERK1/2, but not p-p38 MAPK and JNK1/2 in T. gondii-infected ARPE-19 cells. Bevacizumab treatment or VEGF siRNA transfection significantly inhibited the proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites in the host cell, dose-dependently, but not invasion of parasites. VEGF-receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) antagonist, SU5416, attenuated VEGF production and tachyzoite proliferation in T. gondii-infected ARPE-19 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, T. gondii prominently induces VEGF production in ARPE-19 cells, and VEGF and AKT/ERK1/2 signaling pathways mutually regulate each other in T. gondii-infected ARPE-19 cells, but not p38 MAPK and JNK1/2 signaling pathways. VEGF and VEGF-R2 control the parasite proliferation in T. gondii-infected ARPE-19 cells. From this study, we revealed the putative mechanisms for VEGF induction as well as the existence of positive feedback between VEGF and PI3K/MAPK signaling pathways in T. gondii-infected retinal pigment epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Hua Quan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | | | - Guang-Ho Cha
- Department of Infection Biology and Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Young-Joon Jo
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Fei Fei Gao
- Department of Infection Biology and Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - In-Wook Choi
- Department of Infection Biology and Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jia-Qi Chu
- Stem Cell Research and Cellular Therapy Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jae-Min Yuk
- Department of Infection Biology and Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Young-Ha Lee
- Department of Infection Biology and Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
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Smith JR, Ashander LM, Ma Y, Rochet E, Furtado JM. Model Systems for Studying Mechanisms of Ocular Toxoplasmosis. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2071:297-321. [PMID: 31758460 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9857-9_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The most common human disease caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii is ocular toxoplasmosis, which typically is manifest as recurrent attacks of necrotizing retinal inflammation with subsequent scarring. The multilayered retina contains specialized cell populations, including endothelial cells, epithelial cells, neurons and supporting cells, all of which may be involved in this condition. In vitro investigations of basic mechanisms operating in human ocular toxoplasmosis use cellular and molecular methods that are common to the study of many pathological processes, and the novel aspect of this research is the use of human retinal cell subsets. Most in vivo research on ocular toxoplasmosis is conducted in the laboratory mouse. Experimental models involve local or systemic inoculation of parasites to induce acute disease, or sequential systemic and local parasite inoculations to trigger recurrent disease. We present methods for in vitro and in vivo studies of ocular toxoplasmosis, including dissection of the human eye, and culture and infection of differentiated cell populations from the retina, as well as induction of mouse ocular toxoplasmosis by intraocular, or sequential systemic and intraocular, inoculations, and imaging of toxoplasmic retinal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine R Smith
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
| | - Liam M Ashander
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Yuefang Ma
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Elise Rochet
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - João M Furtado
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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11
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Ashander LM, Lie S, Ma Y, Rochet E, Washington JM, Furtado JM, Appukuttan B, Smith JR. Neutrophil Activities in Human Ocular Toxoplasmosis: An In Vitro Study With Human Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 60:4652-4660. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-28306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liam M. Ashander
- Eye & Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Shervi Lie
- Eye & Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Yuefang Ma
- Eye & Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elise Rochet
- Eye & Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jennifer M. Washington
- Eye & Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - João M. Furtado
- Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto - University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Binoy Appukuttan
- Eye & Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Justine R. Smith
- Eye & Vision Health, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
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12
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Alajmi RA, Al-Megrin WA, Metwally D, Al-Subaie H, Altamrah N, Barakat AM, Abdel Moneim AE, Al-Otaibi TT, El-Khadragy M. Anti- Toxoplasma activity of silver nanoparticles green synthesized with Phoenix dactylifera and Ziziphus spina-christi extracts which inhibits inflammation through liver regulation of cytokines in Balb/c mice. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190379. [PMID: 30992387 PMCID: PMC6522717 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis constitutes a global infection caused by oblige intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii Although often asymptomatic, infection can result in more severe, potentially life threatening symptoms particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The present study evaluated the anti-Toxoplasma effects in experimental animals of silver nanoparticles synthesized in combination with extracts of natural plants (Phoenix dactylifera and Ziziphus spina-christi) as an alternative method to standard sulfadiazine drug therapy. Liver functions estimated by and AST and ALT were significantly increased in T. gondii-infected mice compared with the control group as well as hepatic nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and caused significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione activities in the liver homogenates. Nanoparticles pretreatment prevented liver damage as determined by enzyme activity inhibition, in addition to significant inhibition of hepatic NO levels and significant elevation in liver SOD and CAT activities. Moreover, nanoparticle treatment significantly decreased hepatic LPO and NO concentrations and proinflammatory cytokines but significantly boosted the antioxidant enzyme activity of liver homogenate. In addition, histological examinations showed distinct alterations in the infected compared with untreated control groups. Conversely, nanoparticles pretreatment showed improvement in the histological features indicated by slight infiltration and fibrosis, minimal pleomorphism and less hepatocyte and degeneration. Furthermore, nanoparticles treatment induced a reduction in immunoreactivity to TGF-β and NF-κB in hepatic tissues. Therefore, the present study provides new insights into various natural plants that are used traditionally for the treatment of toxoplasmosis and other parasitic infections, which may be useful as alternative treatment option for T. gondii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem A Alajmi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafa A Al-Megrin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dina Metwally
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Hind Al-Subaie
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nourah Altamrah
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf M Barakat
- Department of Zoonotic Diseases, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Abdel Moneim
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tahani T Al-Otaibi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal El-Khadragy
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Schlüter D, Barragan A. Advances and Challenges in Understanding Cerebral Toxoplasmosis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:242. [PMID: 30873157 PMCID: PMC6401564 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread parasitic pathogen that infects over one third of the global human population. The parasite invades and chronically persists in the central nervous system (CNS) of the infected host. Parasite spread and persistence is intimately linked to an ensuing immune response, which does not only limit parasite-induced damage but also may facilitate dissemination and induce parasite-associated immunopathology. Here, we discuss various aspects of toxoplasmosis where knowledge is scarce or controversial and, the recent advances in the understanding of the delicate interplay of T. gondii with the immune system in experimental and clinical settings. This includes mechanisms for parasite passage from the circulation into the brain parenchyma across the blood-brain barrier during primary acute infection. Later, as chronic latent infection sets in with control of the parasite in the brain parenchyma, the roles of the inflammatory response and of immune cell responses in this phase of the disease are discussed. Additionally, the function of brain resident cell populations is delineated, i.e., how neurons, astrocytes and microglia serve both as target cells for the parasite but also actively contribute to the immune response. As the infection can reactivate in the CNS of immune-compromised individuals, we bring up the immunopathogenesis of reactivated toxoplasmosis, including the special case of congenital CNS manifestations. The relevance, advantages and limitations of rodent infection models for the understanding of human cerebral toxoplasmosis are discussed. Finally, this review pinpoints questions that may represent challenges to experimental and clinical science with respect to improved diagnostics, pharmacological treatments and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Schlüter
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Ashour DS, Saad AE, El Bakary RH, El Barody MA. Can the route of Toxoplasma gondii infection affect the ophthalmic outcomes? Pathog Dis 2019; 76:5037924. [PMID: 29912329 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/fty056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of retinochoroiditis worldwide in humans. Some studies highlighted the idea that ocular lesions differ according to the route of infection but none of them mimicked the natural route. The current study aimed to investigate the ophthalmic outcomes in congenital and oral routes of infection with Toxoplasma in experimental animals. Mice were divided into three groups; group I: congenital infection, group II: acquired oral infection and group III: non-infected. We used Me49 chronic low-virulence T. gondii strain. We found that retina is the most affected part in both modes of infections. However, the retinal changes are different and more pronounced in case of congenital infection. The congenitally infected mice showed retinal lesions e.g. total detachment of retinal pigment epithelium from the photoreceptor layer and irregular arrangement of retinal layers. More severe damage was observed in mice infected early in pregnancy. While the postnatal orally infected mice showed fewer changes. In conclusion, the routes of Toxoplasma infection affect the ophthalmic outcomes and this may be the case in human disease. Although both are vision threatening, it seems that the prognosis of postnatal acquired ocular toxoplasmosis is better than that of congenital disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia S Ashour
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Abeer E Saad
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Reda H El Bakary
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A El Barody
- Ophthalmology Department, National Eye Center, Cairo, Egypt, Cairo 11631 , Egypt
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15
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Sharif M, Faridnia R, Sarvi S, Gholami S, Kalani H, Daryani A. Evaluating of Wistar rat and BALB/c mouse as animal models for congenital, cerebral and ocular toxoplasmosis. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:808-813. [PMID: 30367763 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of cyst production by Toxoplasma (T.) gondii, RH strain, in Wistar rat and BALB/c mouse and the purpose of this study was to introduce an animal model suitable for congenital, cerebral, and ocular toxoplasmosis. The mice and rats, considered as cerebral and ocular toxoplasmosis models, were intraperitoneally infected by different number of the parasite and their eyes and brain were evaluated for the presence of T. gondii cyst using the microscopic examination and the bioassay method. Moreover, the pregnant mice and rats, considered as congenital toxoplasmosis models, were intraperitoneally infected by different number of the parasite and their infants were examined by the method mentioned above. The best result for the cerebral toxoplasmosis model was observed in the rats infected with the 107 parasites, so that all infants (100%) were infected with the parasite when examined using the bioassay method. Furthermore, the best result was observed for the congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis model with 100% infection rate in the infants born to mothers infected with the 107 parasites. Overall, just few the ocular samples were positive using bioassay method. The best result in the current study was for the congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis model where the pregnant rats were infected with the 107 parasites and all infants were infected (100%). Therefore, these infants can be used as a congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis model when they are in the fetal stage, and can be used as a cerebral toxoplasmosis model one month after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Roghiyeh Faridnia
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shirzad Gholami
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hamed Kalani
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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16
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Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: Historical Perspective, Animal Models, and Current Clinical Practice. Clin Microbiol Rev 2018; 31:31/4/e00057-17. [PMID: 30209035 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00057-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Toxoplasma gondii infection is usually subclinical, but cervical lymphadenopathy or ocular disease can be present in some patients. Active infection is characterized by tachyzoites, while tissue cysts characterize latent disease. Infection in the fetus and in immunocompromised patients can cause devastating disease. The combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine (pyr-sulf), targeting the active stage of the infection, is the current gold standard for treating toxoplasmosis, but failure rates remain significant. Although other regimens are available, including pyrimethamine in combination with clindamycin, atovaquone, clarithromycin, or azithromycin or monotherapy with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) or atovaquone, none have been found to be superior to pyr-sulf, and no regimen is active against the latent stage of the infection. Furthermore, the efficacy of these regimens against ocular disease remains uncertain. In multiple studies, systematic screening for Toxoplasma infection during gestation, followed by treatment with spiramycin for acute maternal infections and with pyr-sulf for those with established fetal infection, has been shown to be effective at preventing vertical transmission and minimizing the severity of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). Despite significant progress in treating human disease, there is a strong impetus to develop novel therapeutics for both the acute and latent forms of the infection. Here we present an overview of toxoplasmosis treatment in humans and in animal models. Additional research is needed to identify novel drugs by use of innovative high-throughput screening technologies and to improve experimental models to reflect human disease. Such advances will pave the way for lead candidates to be tested in thoroughly designed clinical trials in defined patient populations.
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17
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Song HB, Jung BK, Kim JH, Lee YH, Choi MH, Kim JH. Investigation of tissue cysts in the retina in a mouse model of ocular toxoplasmosis: distribution and interaction with glial cells. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2597-2605. [PMID: 29858945 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5950-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The conversion of tachyzoites into bradyzoites is a way for Toxoplasma gondii to establish a chronic and asymptomatic infection and achieve lifelong persistence in the host. The bradyzoites form tissue cysts in the retina, but not much is known about the horizontal distribution of the cysts or their interactions with glial cells in the retina. A chronic ocular toxoplasmosis model was induced by per oral administration of T. gondii Me49 strain cysts to BALB/c mice. Two months after the infection, retinas were flat-mounted and immunostained to detect cysts, ganglion cells, Müller cells, astrocytes, and microglial cells, followed by observation under fluorescence and confocal microscope. The horizontal distribution showed a rather clustered pattern, but the clusters were not restricted to certain location of the retina. Axial distribution was confined to the inner retina, mostly in ganglion cell layer or the inner plexiform layer. Both ganglion cells, a type of retinal neurons, and Müller cells, predominant retinal glial cells, could harbor cysts. The cysts were spatially separated from astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the ganglion cell layer, while close spatial distribution of microglial cells was observed in two thirds of retinal cysts. In this study, we demonstrated that the retinal cysts were not evenly distributed horizontally and were confined to the inner retina axially. Both neurons and one type of glial cells could harbor cysts, and topographic analysis of other glial cells suggests role of microglial cells in chronic ocular toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Beom Song
- Fight against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bong-Kwang Jung
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Hyoung Kim
- Fight against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Ha Lee
- Department of Infection Biology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Min-Ho Choi
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Hun Kim
- Fight against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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18
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Tong X, Chen S, Zheng H, Huang S, Lu F. Increased IL-27/IL-27R expression in association with the immunopathology of murine ocular toxoplasmosis. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2255-2263. [PMID: 29779048 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5914-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 27 (IL-27) is a member of the IL-6/IL-12 family, and IL-27 receptor (IL-27R) consists of WSX-1 (the IL-27Rα subunit) and the signal-transducing subunit gp130. Human and mouse mast cells (MCs) express the IL-27R. To explore the expressions of IL-27/IL-27R subunits (WSX-1 and gp130) during acute ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), we established mouse model by intraocular injection of 500 Toxoplasma gondii RH strain tachyzoites. Histopathological changes were analyzed, MCs were counted by toluidine blue staining, and tryptase+/IL-27+ MCs were examined by immunofluorescence double-staining in the eyes and cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) of T. gondii-infected mice. The mRNA expressions of IL-27p28, WSX-1, gp130, and tachyzoite specific surface antigen 1 (SAG1) in the eyes and CLNs of T. gondii-infected mice, and the expressions of WSX-1 and gp130 in the murine mastocytoma cell line P815 infected with T. gondii tachyzoites in vitro were examined by using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that, after T. gondii infection, severe histopathological changes, increased numbers of total MCs and degranulated MCs, elevated expressions of IL-27p28, WSX-1, and gp130 were found in the eyes and CLNs, and significant correlations between the levels of IL-27 and SAG1 existed in the eyes and CLNs of T. gondii-infected mice. In addition, increased levels of WSX-1 and gp130 were examined in T. gondii-infected P815 cells. Our data suggested that IL-27/IL-27R expression induced by T. gondii infection may regulate MC-mediated immune response during acute OT in mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Tong
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Shengjie Chen
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Huanqin Zheng
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Shiguang Huang
- School of Stomatology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China.
| | - Fangli Lu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
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Galectins expressed differently in genetically susceptible C57BL/6 and resistant BALB/c mice during acute ocularToxoplasma gondiiinfection. Parasitology 2017; 144:1064-1072. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017000270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARYOcular toxoplasmosis (OT) caused byToxoplasma gondiiis a major cause of infectious uveitis, however little is known about its immunopathological mechanism. Susceptible C57BL/6 (B6) and resistant BALB/c mice were intravitreally infected with 500 tachyzoites of the RH strain ofT. gondii. B6 mice showed more severe ocular pathology and higher parasite loads in the eyes. The levels of galectin (Gal)-9 and its receptors (Tim-3 and CD137), interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the eyes of B6 mice than those of BALB/c mice; however, the levels of IFN-αand -βwere significantly decreased in the eyes and CLNs of B6 mice but significantly increased in BALB/c mice after infection. After blockage of galectin–receptor interactions byα-lactose, neither ocular immunopathology nor parasite loads were different from those of infected BALB/c mice withoutα-lactose treatment. Although the expressions of Gal-9/receptor were significantly increased in B6 mice and Gal-1 and -3 were upregulated in both strains of mice upon ocularT. gondiiinfection, blockage of galectins did not change the ocular pathogenesis of genetic resistant BALB/c mice. However, IFN-αand -βwere differently expressed in B6 and BALB/c mice, suggesting that type I IFNs may play a protective role in experimental OT.
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20
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Toxoplasma gondii: One Organism, Multiple Models. Trends Parasitol 2016; 33:113-127. [PMID: 27988095 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intensely studied protozoan parasite. It is also used as a model organism to research additional clinically relevant human and veterinary parasites due to ease of in vitro culture and genetic manipulation. Recently, it has been developed as a model of inflammatory bowel disease, due to their similar pathologies. However, researchers vary widely in how they use T. gondii, which makes study comparisons and interpretation difficult. The aim of this review is to provide researchers with a tool to: (i) determine the appropriateness of the different T. gondii models to their research, (ii) interpret results from the wide range of study conditions, and (iii) consider new advances in technology which could improve or refine their experimental setup.
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21
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Fernández C, Jaimes J, Ortiz MC, Ramírez JD. Host and Toxoplasma gondii genetic and non-genetic factors influencing the development of ocular toxoplasmosis: A systematic review. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 44:199-209. [PMID: 27389360 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan infection caused by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This infectious disease is widely distributed across the world where cats play an important role in its spread. The symptomatology caused by this parasite is diverse but the ocular affectation emerges as the most important clinical phenotype. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of the current knowledge of ocular toxoplasmosis from the genetic diversity of the pathogen towards the treatment available for this infection. This review represents an update to the scientific community regarding the genetic diversity of the parasite, the genetic factors of the host, the molecular pathogenesis and its association with disease, the available diagnostic tools and the available treatment of patients undergoing ocular toxoplamosis. This review will be an update for the scientific community in order to encourage researchers to deploy cutting-edge investigation across this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Fernández
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas - UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús Jaimes
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas - UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - María Camila Ortiz
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas - UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas - UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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