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Devender M, Sebastian P, Maurya VK, Kumar K, Anand A, Namdeo M, Maurya R. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of tuzin protein as a vaccine candidate in Leishmania donovani-infected BALB/c mice. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1294397. [PMID: 38274802 PMCID: PMC10808571 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1294397] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is referred to as the most severe and fatal type of leishmaniasis basically caused by Leishmania donovani and L. infantum. The most effective method for preventing the spread of the disease is vaccination. Till today, there is no promising licensed vaccination for human VL. Hence, investigation for vaccines is necessary to enrich the therapeutic repertoire against leishmaniasis. Tuzin is a rare trans-membrane protein that has been reported in Trypanosoma cruzi with unknown function. However, tuzin is not characterized in Leishmania parasites. In this study, we for the first time demonstrated that tuzin protein was expressed in both stages (promastigote and amastigote) of L. donovani parasites. In-silico studies revealed that tuzin has potent antigenic properties. Therefore, we analyzed the immunogenicity of tuzin protein and immune response in BALB/c mice challenged with the L. donovani parasite. We observed that tuzin-vaccinated mice have significantly reduced parasite burden in the spleen and liver compared with the control. The number of granulomas in the liver was also significantly decreased compared with the control groups. We further measured the IgG2a antibody level, a marker of Th1 immune response in VL, which was significantly higher in the serum of immunized mice when compared with the control. Splenocytes stimulated with soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA) displayed a significant increase in NO and ROS levels compared with the control groups. Tuzin-immunized and parasite-challenged mice exhibit a notable rise in the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio by significantly suppressing IL-10 expression level, an immunosuppressive cytokine that inhibits leishmanicidal immune function and encourages disease progression. In conclusion, tuzin immunizations substantially increase the protective immune response in L. donovani-challenged mice groups compared with control.
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2
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Zschaler S, Polack FAC. Trustworthy agent-based simulation: the case for domain-specific modelling languages. SOFTWARE AND SYSTEMS MODELING 2023; 22:455-470. [PMID: 36776402 PMCID: PMC9905754 DOI: 10.1007/s10270-023-01082-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Simulation is a key tool for researching complex system behaviour. Agent-based simulation has been applied across domains, such as biology, health, economics and urban sciences. However, engineering robust, efficient, maintainable, and reliable agent-based simulations is challenging. We present a vision for engineering agent simulations comprising a family of domain-specific modelling languages (DSMLs) that integrates core software engineering, validation and simulation experimentation. We relate the vision to examples of principled simulation, to show how the DSMLs would improve robustness, efficiency, and maintainability of simulations. Focusing on how to demonstrate the fitness for purpose of a simulator, the envisaged approach supports bi-directional transparency and traceability between the original domain understanding to the implementation, interpretation of results and evaluation of hypotheses.
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3
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Tans R, Dey S, Dey NS, Calder G, O’Toole P, Kaye PM, Heeren RMA. Spatially Resolved Immunometabolism to Understand Infectious Disease Progression. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:709728. [PMID: 34489899 PMCID: PMC8418271 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.709728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases, including those of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic origin are often characterized by focal inflammation occurring in one or more distinct tissues. Tissue-specific outcomes of infection are also evident in many infectious diseases, suggesting that the local microenvironment may instruct complex and diverse innate and adaptive cellular responses resulting in locally distinct molecular signatures. In turn, these molecular signatures may both drive and be responsive to local metabolic changes in immune as well as non-immune cells, ultimately shaping the outcome of infection. Given the spatial complexity of immune and inflammatory responses during infection, it is evident that understanding the spatial organization of transcripts, proteins, lipids, and metabolites is pivotal to delineating the underlying regulation of local immunity. Molecular imaging techniques like mass spectrometry imaging and spatially resolved, highly multiplexed immunohistochemistry and transcriptomics can define detailed metabolic signatures at the microenvironmental level. Moreover, a successful complementation of these two imaging techniques would allow multi-omics analyses of inflammatory microenvironments to facilitate understanding of disease pathogenesis and identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we describe strategies for downstream data analysis of spatially resolved multi-omics data and, using leishmaniasis as an exemplar, describe how such analysis can be applied in a disease-specific context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel Tans
- Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging (M4I) Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Shoumit Dey
- Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Nidhi Sharma Dey
- Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Grant Calder
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Peter O’Toole
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M. Kaye
- Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ron M. A. Heeren
- Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging (M4I) Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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4
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Poulaki A, Piperaki ET, Voulgarelis M. Effects of Visceralising Leishmania on the Spleen, Liver, and Bone Marrow: A Pathophysiological Perspective. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040759. [PMID: 33916346 PMCID: PMC8066032 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The leishmaniases constitute a group of parasitic diseases caused by species of the protozoan genus Leishmania. In humans it can present different clinical manifestations and are usually classified as cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral (VL). Although the full range of parasite—host interactions remains unclear, recent advances are improving our comprehension of VL pathophysiology. In this review we explore the differences in VL immunobiology between the liver and the spleen, leading to contrasting infection outcomes in the two organs, specifically clearance of the parasite in the liver and failure of the spleen to contain the infection. Based on parasite biology and the mammalian immune response, we describe how hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) and the PI3K/Akt pathway function as major determinants of the observed immune failure. We also summarize existing knowledge on pancytopenia in VL, as a direct effect of the parasite on bone marrow health and regenerative capacity. Finally, we speculate on the possible effect that manipulation by the parasite of the PI3K/Akt/HIF1 axis may have on the myelodysplastic (MDS) features observed in VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Poulaki
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Evangelia-Theophano Piperaki
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.-T.P.); (M.V.); Tel.: +30-210-7462136 (E.-T.P.); +30-210-7462647 (M.V.)
| | - Michael Voulgarelis
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: (E.-T.P.); (M.V.); Tel.: +30-210-7462136 (E.-T.P.); +30-210-7462647 (M.V.)
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5
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Central and local controls of monocytopoiesis influence the outcome of Leishmania infection. Cytokine 2020; 147:155325. [PMID: 33039254 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniases represent a complex of tropical and subtropical diseases caused by an intracellular protozoon of the genus Leishmania. The principal cells controlling the interaction between the host and the parasite Leishmania are monocytes and macrophages, as these cells play a decisive role in establishing the pathogenesis or cure. These cells are involved in controlling the growth of Leishmania and in modulating the adaptive immune responses. The heterogeneity and extensive plasticity of monocytes allow these cells to adjust their functional phenotypes in response to the pathogen-directed immunological cues. In Leishmania-infected host, the rate of myelopoiesis is augmented by enhanced monocytic lineage commitment and proliferation of myeloid progenitor cells both in the BM and at the site of infection. These newly generated monocytes play as "safe haven" for the parasite and also as the antigen-presenting cells for T cells to cause deregulated cytokine production. This altered monocytopoiesis is characterized by tissue-specific immune responses, spatiotemporal dynamics of immunoregulation and functional heterogeneity. In the presence of Th1 cytokines, monocytes exhibit a pro-inflammatory phenotype that protects the host from Leishmania. By contrast, in an environment of Th2 cytokines, monocytes display anti-inflammatory phenotype with pro-parasitic functions. In this review, we summarize the involvement of cytokines in the regulation of monocytopoiesis and differentiation of macrophages during leishmanial infection. Understanding the role of cytokines in regulating interactions between Leishmania and the host monocytes is key to developing new therapeutic interventions against leishmaniases.
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6
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Giorgio S, Gallo-Francisco PH, Roque GAS, Flóro E Silva M. Granulomas in parasitic diseases: the good and the bad. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3165-3180. [PMID: 32789534 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06841-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases affect more than one billion people worldwide, and most of them are chronic conditions in which the treatment and prevention are difficult. The appearance of granulomas, defined as organized and compact structures of macrophages and other immune cells, during various parasitic diseases is frequent, since these structures will only form when individual immune cells do not control the invading agent. Th2-typering various parasitic diseases are frequent, since these structures will only form when individual immune cells do not control the invading agent. The characterization of granulomas in different parasitic diseases, as well as recent findings in this field, is discussed in this review, in order to understand the significance of the granuloma and its modulation in the host-parasite interaction and in the immune, pathological, and parasitological aspects of this interaction. The parasitic granulomatous diseases granulomatous amebic encephalitis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, neurocysticercosis, and schistosomiasis mansoni are discussed as well as the mechanistic and dynamical aspects of the infectious granulomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Giorgio
- Department of Animal Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas, Campinas, 13083-865, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Marina Flóro E Silva
- Department of Animal Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas, Campinas, 13083-865, Brazil
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7
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Bastos DSS, Miranda BM, Fialho Martins TV, Guimarães Ervilha LO, Souza ACF, de Oliveira Emerick S, Carneiro da Silva A, Novaes RD, Neves MM, Santos EC, de Oliveira LL, Marques-da-Silva EDA. Lipophosphoglycan-3 recombinant protein vaccine controls hepatic parasitism and prevents tissue damage in mice infected by Leishmania infantum chagasi. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 126:110097. [PMID: 32203891 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS In this work, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the Leishmania infantum chagasi infection on the liver of vaccinated mice, considering parameters of tissue damage and the inflammatory response elicited by vaccination. MAIN METHODS We used recombinant LPG3 protein (rLPG3) as immunogen in BALB/c mice before challenge with promastigote forms of L. infantum chagasi. The animals were separated into five groups: NI: non-infected animals; NV: non-vaccinated; SAP: treated with saponin; rLPG3: immunized with rLPG3; rLPG3 + SAP: immunized with rLPG3 plus SAP. The experiment was conducted in replicate, and the vaccination protocol consisted of three subcutaneous doses of rLPG3 (40 μg + two boosters of 20 μg). The mice were challenged two weeks after the last immunization. KEY FINDINGS Our results showed that rLPG3 + SAP immunization decreased the parasite burden in 99 %, conferring immunological protection in the liver of the infected animals. Moreover, the immunization improved the antioxidant defenses, increasing CAT and GST activity, while reducing the levels of oxidative stress markers, such as H2O2 and NO3/NO2, and carbonyl protein in the organ. As a consequence, rLPG3 + SAP immunization preserved tissue integrity and reduced the granuloma formation, inflammatory infiltrate and serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP. SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, these results showed that rLPG3 vaccine confers liver protection against L. infantum chagasi in mice, while maintaining the liver tissue protected against the harmful inflammatory effects caused by the vaccine followed by the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rômulo Dias Novaes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Structural Biology, Federal University of Alfenas, MG, Brazil
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8
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McFarlane E, Mokgethi T, Kaye PM, Hurdayal R, Brombacher F, Alexander J, Carter KC. IL-4 Mediated Resistance of BALB/c Mice to Visceral Leishmaniasis Is Independent of IL-4Rα Signaling via T Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1957. [PMID: 31475014 PMCID: PMC6707061 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies infecting global IL-4Rα−/−, IL-4−/−, and IL-13−/−mice on a BALB/c background with the visceralizing parasite Leishmania donovani have shown that the T helper 2 cytokines, IL-4, and IL-13, play influential but not completely overlapping roles in controlling primary infection. Subsequently, using macrophage/neutrophil-specific IL-4Rα deficient BALB/c mice, we demonstrated that macrophage/neutrophil unresponsiveness to IL-4 and IL-13 did not have a detrimental effect during L. donovani infection. Here we expand on these findings and show that CD4+ T cell-(Lckcre), as well as pan T cell-(iLckcre) specific IL-4Rα deficient mice, on a BALB/c background, unlike global IL-4Rα deficient mice, are also not adversely affected in terms of resistance to primary infection with L. donovani. Our analysis suggested only a transient and tissue specific impact on disease course due to lack of IL-4Rα on T cells, limited to a reduced hepatic parasite burden at day 30 post-infection. Consequently, the protective role(s) demonstrated for IL-4 and IL-13 during L. donovani infection are mediated by IL-4Rα-responsive cell(s) other than macrophages, neutrophils and T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma McFarlane
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Thabang Mokgethi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M Kaye
- Department of Biology, Centre for Immunology and Infection, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ramona Hurdayal
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) on Immunology of Infectious Diseases, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frank Brombacher
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) on Immunology of Infectious Diseases, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James Alexander
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Katharine C Carter
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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9
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Voak AA, Standing JF, Sepúlveda N, Harris A, Croft SL, Seifert K. Pharmacodynamics and cellular accumulation of amphotericin B and miltefosine in Leishmania donovani-infected primary macrophages. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 73:1314-1323. [PMID: 29506127 PMCID: PMC5909632 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We examined the in vitro pharmacodynamics and cellular accumulation of the standard anti-leishmanial drugs amphotericin B and miltefosine in intracellular Leishmania donovani amastigote-macrophage drug assays. Methods Primary mouse macrophages were infected with L. donovani amastigotes. In time-kill assays infected macrophages were exposed to at least six different concentrations of serially diluted drugs and the percentage of infected macrophages was determined after 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 120 h of exposure. Cellular drug accumulation was measured following exposure to highly effective drug concentrations for 1, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h. Data were analysed through a mathematical model, relating drug concentration to the percentage of infected cells over time. Host cell membrane damage was evaluated through measurement of lactate dehydrogenase release. The effect of varying the serum and albumin concentrations in medium on the cellular accumulation levels of miltefosine was measured. Results Amphotericin B was more potent than miltefosine (EC50 values of 0.65 and 1.26 μM, respectively) and displayed a wider therapeutic window in vitro. The kinetics of the cellular accumulation of amphotericin B was concentration- and formulation-dependent. At an extracellular concentration of 10 μM miltefosine maximum cellular drug levels preceded maximum anti-leishmanial kill. Miltefosine induced membrane damage in a concentration-, time- and serum-dependent manner. Its cellular accumulation levels increased with decreasing amounts of protein in assay medium. Conclusions We have developed a novel approach to investigate the cellular pharmacology of anti-leishmanial drugs that serves as a model for the characterization of new drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Voak
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Joseph F Standing
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.,Centre for Statistics and Applications of University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andy Harris
- Pharmidex, 3rd Floor, 14 Hanover Street, London W1S 1YH, UK
| | - Simon L Croft
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Karin Seifert
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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10
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Magombedze G, Marino S. Mathematical and computational approaches in understanding the immunobiology of granulomatous diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coisb.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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11
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Fletcher HA, Chatterjee M, Cooper A, Hussell T, Kaye PM, Prior J, Reljic R, Vermaak S, Vordermeier M, Williams A, McShane H. VALIDATE: Exploiting the synergy between complex intracellular pathogens to expedite vaccine research and development for tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, melioidosis and leprosy. F1000Res 2018; 7:485. [PMID: 29904595 PMCID: PMC5974572 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.14386.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
For several complex intracellular pathogens, we have an urgent need for effective vaccines and yet there are common barriers to vaccine development. These diseases, including tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, leprosy and melioidosis, cause a huge burden of disease and disproportionately affect low and middle income countries. They are therefore often neglected due to the marginalisation of affected populations and the poor predicted commercial return on investment. Barriers to vaccine development include an incomplete understanding of protective immunity and translation from the bench into clinical vaccine trials. The current linear approach to vaccine research and development for these pathogens, which involves basic research, vaccine design, and vaccine evaluation in preclinical challenge models and clinical trials, is inefficient for these complex intracellular pathogens. We have established a Global Challenges Research Fund Network for VAccine deveLopment for complex Intracellular neglecteD pAThogEns, “VALIDATE”, where we aim to adopt a more flexible, integrated cross-pathogen approach to accelerate vaccine research and clinical development for these four pathogens, by cross-pathogen analyses, cross-discipline collaborations, and repeated integration of data from human and animal studies. This network provides a unique opportunity to bring together individuals working on four exemplar complex intracellular neglected pathogens (
M.tb,
Leishmania spp.,
B. pseudomallei and
M.leprae), which share a common lifestyle as pathogens of macrophages, induce similar end-stage pathologies and alter host immune and metabolic responses. The horizontal collaborations established throughout this network, together with the provision of a protected environment for early data sharing, will exploit these biological synergies. By interrogating mechanisms that lead from infection to disease, we will be able to develop common vaccine development strategies for these and other complex intracellular pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mitali Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Andrea Cooper
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Tracy Hussell
- Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul M Kaye
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York, UK
| | - Joann Prior
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, UK
| | - Rajko Reljic
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Samantha Vermaak
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin Vordermeier
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, UK
| | - Ann Williams
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, UK
| | - Helen McShane
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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12
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Moyo D, Beattie L, Andrews PS, Moore JWJ, Timmis J, Sawtell A, Hoehme S, Sampson AT, Kaye PM. Macrophage Transactivation for Chemokine Production Identified as a Negative Regulator of Granulomatous Inflammation Using Agent-Based Modeling. Front Immunol 2018; 9:637. [PMID: 29636754 PMCID: PMC5880939 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular activation in trans by interferons, cytokines, and chemokines is a commonly recognized mechanism to amplify immune effector function and limit pathogen spread. However, an optimal host response also requires that collateral damage associated with inflammation is limited. This may be particularly so in the case of granulomatous inflammation, where an excessive number and/or excessively florid granulomas can have significant pathological consequences. Here, we have combined transcriptomics, agent-based modeling, and in vivo experimental approaches to study constraints on hepatic granuloma formation in a murine model of experimental leishmaniasis. We demonstrate that chemokine production by non-infected Kupffer cells in the Leishmania donovani-infected liver promotes competition with infected KCs for available iNKT cells, ultimately inhibiting the extent of granulomatous inflammation. We propose trans-activation for chemokine production as a novel broadly applicable mechanism that may operate early in infection to limit excessive focal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Moyo
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom.,Department of Computer Science, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Lynette Beattie
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Paul S Andrews
- Department of Electronics, University of York, York, United Kingdom.,SimOmics Ltd., York, United Kingdom
| | - John W J Moore
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Timmis
- Department of Electronics, University of York, York, United Kingdom.,SimOmics Ltd., York, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Sawtell
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Hoehme
- Institute for Computer Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Adam T Sampson
- Division of Computing and Mathematics, Abertay University, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M Kaye
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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13
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Salguero FJ, Garcia-Jimenez WL, Lima I, Seifert K. Histopathological and immunohistochemical characterisation of hepatic granulomas in Leishmania donovani-infected BALB/c mice: a time-course study. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:73. [PMID: 29386047 PMCID: PMC5793367 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2624-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD), caused by the intracellular protozoan parasites Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum. Symptomatic VL is considered fatal when left untreated. At present, there is no effective vaccine licensed for human use and available chemotherapies have limitations. Understanding the local immune mechanisms required for the control of infection is a key factor for developing effective vaccines and therapeutics. METHODS We have investigated the development of the typical granulomatous lesions in the liver in experimental VL over time, together with the local immune responses. BALB/c mice were infected intravenously with a dose of 2 × 107 L. donovani amastigotes (MHOM/ET/67/HU3) and sacrificed at 15, 35 and 63 days post-infection (dpi). Histopathology and immunohistochemical techniques were used for the detection of Leishmania antigen, selected cell types including B and T lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils (CD45R-B220+, CD3+, F4/80+ and Ly-6G+) and iNOS. RESULTS Granulomatous lesions were identified as early as 15 dpi in the livers of all infected animals. Three categories were used to classify liver granulomas (immature, mature and clear). Clear granulomas were exclusively detected from 35 dpi onwards. Kupffer cells (F4/80+) were predominant in immature granulomas, regardless of the dpi. Nonetheless, the highest expression was found 63 dpi. Positive staining for iNOS was mainly observed in the cytoplasm of fused Kupffer cells and the highest expression observed at 35 dpi. T cells (CD3+) and B cells (CD45R-B220+) were predominant in more advanced granuloma stages, probably related to the establishment of acquired immunity. Neutrophils (Ly-6G+) were predominantly observed in mature granulomas with the highest expression at 15 dpi. Neutrophils were lower in numbers compared to other cell types, particularly at later time points. CONCLUSIONS Our results reflect the role of macrophages during the early stage of infection and the establishment of a lymphocytic response to control the infection in more advanced stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Salguero
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Waldo L Garcia-Jimenez
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Isadora Lima
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Karin Seifert
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Abstract
New drugs and treatments for diseases caused by intracellular pathogens, such as leishmaniasis and the Leishmania species, have proved to be some of the most difficult to discover and develop. The focus of discovery research has been on the identification of potent and selective compounds that inhibit target enzymes (or other essential molecules) or are active against the causative pathogen in phenotypic in vitro assays. Although these discovery paradigms remain an essential part of the early stages of the drug R & D pathway, over the past two decades additional emphasis has been given to the challenges needed to ensure that the potential anti-infective drugs distribute to infected tissues, reach the target pathogen within the host cell and exert the appropriate pharmacodynamic effect at these sites. This review will focus on how these challenges are being met in relation to Leishmania and the leishmaniases with lessons learned from drug R & D for other intracellular pathogens.
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15
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Pharmacodynamics and Biodistribution of Single-Dose Liposomal Amphotericin B at Different Stages of Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017. [PMID: 28630200 PMCID: PMC5571318 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00497-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Characterization of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antileishmanial drugs in preclinical models is important for drug development and use. Here we investigated the pharmacodynamics and drug distribution of liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) in Leishmania donovani-infected BALB/c mice at three different dose levels and two different time points after infection. We additionally compared drug levels in plasma, liver, and spleen in infected and uninfected BALB/c mice over time. At the highest administered dose of 10 mg/kg AmBisome, >90% parasite inhibition was observed within 2 days after drug administration, consistent with drug distribution from blood to tissue within 24 h and a fast rate of kill. Decreased drug potency was observed in the spleen when AmBisome was administered on day 35 after infection, compared to day 14 after infection. Amphotericin B concentrations and total drug amounts per organ were lower in liver and spleen when AmBisome was administered at the advanced stage of infection and compared to those in uninfected BALB/c mice. However, the magnitude of difference was lower when total drug amounts per organ were estimated. Differences were also noted in drug distribution to L. donovani-infected livers and spleens. Taken together, our data suggest that organ enlargement and other pathophysiological factors cause infection- and organ-specific drug distribution and elimination after administration of single-dose AmBisome to L. donovani-infected mice. Plasma drug levels were not reflective of changes in drug levels in tissues.
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16
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Lima MHF, Sacramento LA, Quirino GFS, Ferreira MD, Benevides L, Santana AKM, Cunha FQ, Almeida RP, Silva JS, Carregaro V. Leishmania infantum Parasites Subvert the Host Inflammatory Response through the Adenosine A2 A Receptor to Promote the Establishment of Infection. Front Immunol 2017; 8:815. [PMID: 28775724 PMCID: PMC5517451 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is an endogenously released purine nucleoside that signals through four widely expressed G protein-coupled receptors: A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. Of these, A2AR is recognized as mediating major adenosine anti-inflammatory activity. During cutaneous leishmaniasis, adenosine induces immunosuppression, which promotes the establishment of infection. Herein, we demonstrated that A2AR signaling is exploited by Leishmania infantum parasites, the etiologic agent that causes Visceral Leishmaniasis, to successfully colonize the vertebrate host. A2AR gene-deleted mice exhibited a well-developed cellular reaction with a strong Th1 immune response in the parasitized organs. An intense infiltration of activated neutrophils into the disease-target organs was observed in A2AR−/− mice. These cells were characterized by high expression of CXCR2 and CD69 on their cell surfaces and increased cxcl1 expression. Interestingly, this phenotype was mediated by IFN-γ on the basis that a neutralizing antibody specific to this cytokine prevented neutrophilic influx into parasitized organs. In evaluating the immunosuppressive effects, we identified a decreased number of CD4+ FOXP3+ T cells and reduced il10 expression in A2AR−/− infected mice. During ex vivo cell culture, A2AR−/− splenocytes produced smaller amounts of IL-10. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the A2AR signaling pathway is detrimental to development of Th1-type adaptive immunity and that this pathway could be associated with the regulatory process. In particular, it promotes parasite surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhael H F Lima
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lais A Sacramento
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo F S Quirino
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela D Ferreira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana Benevides
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alynne K M Santana
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Biology and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Fernando Q Cunha
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Inflammation and Pain, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roque P Almeida
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Biology and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - João S Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Carregaro
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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17
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Gamma Interferon-Regulated Chemokines in Leishmania donovani Infection in the Liver. Infect Immun 2016; 85:IAI.00824-16. [PMID: 27795366 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00824-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the livers of C57BL/6 mice, gamma interferon (IFN-γ) controls intracellular Leishmania donovani infection and the efficacy of antimony (Sb) chemotherapy. Since both responses usually correlate with granulomatous inflammation, we tested six prominently expressed, IFN-γ-regulated chemokines-CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL13, CXCL16, CCL2, and CCL5-for their roles in (i) mononuclear cell recruitment and granuloma assembly and maturation, (ii) initial control of infection and self-cure, and (iii) responsiveness to Sb treatment. Together, the results for the L. donovani-infected livers of chemokine-deficient mice (CXCR6-/- mice were used as CXCL16-deficient surrogates) indicated that individual IFN-γ-induced chemokines have diverse affects and (i) may be entirely dispensable (CXCL13, CXCL16), (ii) may promote (CXCL10, CCL2, CCL5) or downregulate (CXCL9) initial granuloma assembly, (iii) may enhance (CCL2, CCL5) or hinder (CXCL10) early parasite control, (iv) may promote granuloma maturation (CCL2, CCL5), (v) may exert a granuloma-independent action that enables self-cure (CCL5), and (vi) may have no role in responsiveness to chemotherapy. Despite the near absence of tissue inflammation in early-stage infection, parasite replication could be controlled (in CXCL10-/- mice) and Sb was fully active (in CXCL10-/-, CCL2-/-, and CCL5-/- mice). These results characterize chemokine action in the response to L. donovani and also reemphasize that (i) recruited mononuclear cells and granulomas are not required to control infection or respond to Sb chemotherapy, (ii) granuloma assembly, control of infection, and Sb's efficacy are not invariably linked expressions of the same T cell-dependent, cytokine-mediated antileishmanial mechanism, and (iii) granulomas are not necessarily hallmarks of protective antileishmanial immunity.
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18
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The effect of Lucilia sericata- and Sarconesiopsis magellanica-derived larval therapy on Leishmania panamensis. Acta Trop 2016; 164:280-289. [PMID: 27686957 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study's main objective was to evaluate the action of larval therapy derived from Lucilia sericata and Sarconesiopsis magellanica (blowflies) regarding Leishmania panamensis using an in vivo model. Eighteen golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were used; they were divided into 6 groups. The first three groups consisted of 4 animals each; these, in turn, were internally distributed into subgroups consisting of 2 hamsters to be used separately in treatments derived from each blowfly species. Group 1 was used in treating leishmanial lesions with larval therapy (LT), whilst the other two groups were used for evaluating the used of larval excretions and secretions (ES) after the ulcers had formed (group 2) and before they appeared (group 3). The three remaining groups (4, 5 and 6), consisting of two animals, were used as controls in the experiments. Biopsies were taken for histopathological and molecular analysis before, during and after the treatments; biopsies and smears were taken for assessing parasite presence and bacterial co-infection. LT and larval ES proved effective in treating the ulcers caused by the parasite. There were no statistically significant differences between the blowfly species regarding the ulcer cicatrisation parameters. There were granulomas in samples taken from lesions at the end of the treatments. The antibacterial action of larval treatment regarding co-infection in lesions caused by the parasite was also verified. These results potentially validate effective LT treatment against cutaneous leishmaniasis aimed at using it with humans in the future.
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19
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Mortazavidehkordi N, Farjadfar A, Khanahmad H, Ghayour Najafabadi Z, Hashemi N, Fallah A, Najafi A, Kia V, Hejazi SH. Evaluation of a novel lentiviral vaccine expressing KMP11-HASPB fusion protein againstLeishmania infantumin BALB/c mice. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:670-677. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Mortazavidehkordi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Isfahan Iran
| | - A. Farjadfar
- Biotechnology Research Center; Mede Bioeconomy Company; Tehran Iran
| | - H. Khanahmad
- Department of Genetics; Faculty of Medicine; Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Isfahan Iran
| | - Z. Ghayour Najafabadi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Isfahan Iran
| | - N. Hashemi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology; Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Isfahan Iran
| | - A. Fallah
- Systems and Synthetic Biology Group; Mede Bioeconomy Company; Tehran Iran
| | - A. Najafi
- Department of Immunology; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| | - V. Kia
- Department of Medical Biotechnology; Faculty of Medicine; Zanjan University of Medical Sciences; Zanjan Iran
| | - S. H. Hejazi
- Skin Diseases and Leishmaniais Research Center; Department of Parasitology & Mycology; School of Medicine; Isfahan University of Medical Sciences; Isfahan Iran
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20
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Rodrigues V, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Laforge M, Silvestre R, Estaquier J. Regulation of immunity during visceral Leishmania infection. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:118. [PMID: 26932389 PMCID: PMC4774109 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1412-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Unicellular eukaryotes of the genus Leishmania are collectively responsible for a heterogeneous group of diseases known as leishmaniasis. The visceral form of leishmaniasis, caused by L. donovani or L. infantum, is a devastating condition, claiming 20,000 to 40,000 lives annually, with particular incidence in some of the poorest regions of the world. Immunity to Leishmania depends on the development of protective type I immune responses capable of activating infected phagocytes to kill intracellular amastigotes. However, despite the induction of protective responses, disease progresses due to a multitude of factors that impede an optimal response. These include the action of suppressive cytokines, exhaustion of specific T cells, loss of lymphoid tissue architecture and a defective humoral response. We will review how these responses are orchestrated during the course of infection, including both early and chronic stages, focusing on the spleen and the liver, which are the main target organs of visceral Leishmania in the host. A comprehensive understanding of the immune events that occur during visceral Leishmania infection is crucial for the implementation of immunotherapeutic approaches that complement the current anti-Leishmania chemotherapy and the development of effective vaccines to prevent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | | | - Ricardo Silvestre
- School of Health Sciences, Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Jérôme Estaquier
- CNRS FR3636, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France. .,Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada.
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21
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Kaye PM, Beattie L. Lessons from other diseases: granulomatous inflammation in leishmaniasis. Semin Immunopathol 2015; 38:249-60. [PMID: 26678994 PMCID: PMC4779128 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-015-0548-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Leishmania granuloma shares some, though not all, properties with that formed following mycobacterial infection. As a simplified, noncaseating granuloma composed of relatively few and largely mononuclear cell populations, it provides a tractable model system to investigate intra-granuloma cellular dynamics, immune regulation, and antimicrobial resistance. Here, the occurrence of granulomatous pathology across the spectrum of leishmaniasis, in humans and animal reservoir hosts, is first described. However, this review focuses on the process of hepatic granuloma formation as studied in rodent models of visceral leishmaniasis, starting from the initial infection of Kupffer cells to the involution of the granuloma after pathogen clearance. It describes how the application of intravital imaging and the use of computational modeling have changed some of our thoughts on granuloma function, and illustrates how host-directed therapies have been used to manipulate granuloma form and function for therapeutic benefit. Where appropriate, lessons that may be equally applicable across the spectrum of granulomatous diseases are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Kaye
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Lynette Beattie
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, Queensland, Australia, 4006
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22
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Domínguez-Bernal G, Horcajo P, Orden JA, Ruiz-Santa-Quiteria JA, De La Fuente R, Ordóñez-Gutiérrez L, Martínez-Rodrigo A, Mas A, Carrión J. HisAK70: progress towards a vaccine against different forms of leishmaniosis. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:629. [PMID: 26653170 PMCID: PMC4675018 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum are among the main species that are responsible for cutaneous leishmaniosis (CL) and visceral leishmaniosis (VL), respectively. The leishmanioses represent the second-largest parasitic killer in the world after malaria. Recently, we succeeded in generating a plasmid DNA (pCMV-HISA70m2A) and demonstrated that immunized mice were protected against L. major challenge. The efficacy of the DNA-vaccine was further enhanced by the inclusion of KMP-11 antigen into the antibiotic-free plasmid pVAX1-asd. METHODS Here, we describe the use of a HisAK70 DNA-vaccine encoding seven Leishmania genes (H2A, H2B, H3, H4, A2, KMP11 and HSP70) for vaccination of mice to assess the induction of a resistant phenotype against VL and CL. RESULTS HisAK70 was successful in vaccinated mice, resulting in a high amount of efficient sterile hepatic granulomas associated with a hepatic parasite burden fully resolved in the VL model; and resulting in 100% inhibition of parasite visceralization in the CL model. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that immunization with the HisAK70 DNA-vaccine may provide a rapid, suitable, and efficient vaccination strategy to confer cross-protective immunity against VL and CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Domínguez-Bernal
- INMIVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - José A Orden
- INMIVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - José A Ruiz-Santa-Quiteria
- INMIVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Ricardo De La Fuente
- INMIVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | | | - Abel Martínez-Rodrigo
- INMIVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Alicia Mas
- INMIVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Javier Carrión
- INMIVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
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McConville MJ, Saunders EC, Kloehn J, Dagley MJ. Leishmania carbon metabolism in the macrophage phagolysosome- feast or famine? F1000Res 2015; 4:938. [PMID: 26594352 PMCID: PMC4648189 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.6724.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of medically important microbial pathogens target and proliferate within macrophages and other phagocytic cells in their mammalian hosts. While the majority of these pathogens replicate within the host cell cytosol or non-hydrolytic vacuolar compartments, a few, including protists belonging to the genus
Leishmania, proliferate long-term within mature lysosome compartments. How these parasites achieve this feat remains poorly defined. In this review, we highlight recent studies that suggest that
Leishmania virulence is intimately linked to programmed changes in the growth rate and carbon metabolism of the obligate intra-macrophage stages. We propose that activation of a slow growth and a stringent metabolic response confers resistance to multiple stresses (oxidative, temperature, pH), as well as both nutrient limitation and nutrient excess within this niche. These studies highlight the importance of metabolic processes as key virulence determinants in
Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm J McConville
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Flemington Rd, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Eleanor C Saunders
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Flemington Rd, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Flemington Rd, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Michael J Dagley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Flemington Rd, Parkville, 3010, Australia
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24
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Lage PS, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Mesquita JT, Mata LM, Fernandes SOA, Cardoso VN, Soto M, Tavares CAP, Leite JPV, Tempone AG, Coelho EAF. Antileishmanial activity and evaluation of the mechanism of action of strychnobiflavone flavonoid isolated from Strychnos pseudoquina against Leishmania infantum. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:4625-35. [PMID: 26346453 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4708-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the in vitro antileishmanial activity of strychnobiflavone flavonoid against Leishmania infantum, as well as its mechanism of action, and evaluate the ex vivo biodistribution profile of the flavonoid in naive BALB/c mice. The antileishmanial activity (IC50 value) of strychnobiflavone against stationary promastigote and amastigote-like stages of the parasites was of 5.4 and 18.9 μM, respectively; with a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) value of 125.0 μM on murine macrophages, resulting in selectivity index (SI) of 23.2 and 6.6, respectively. Amphotericin B, used as a positive control, presented SI values of 7.6 and 3.3 for promastigote and amastigote-like stages of L. infantum, respectively. The strychnobiflavone was also effective in reducing in significant levels the percentage of infected macrophages, as well as the number of amastigotes per macrophage, after the treatment of infected macrophages using the flavonoid. By using different fluorescent probes, we investigated the bioenergetics metabolism of L. infantum promastigotes and demonstrated that the flavonoid caused the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, without affecting the production of reactive oxygen species. In addition, using SYTOX(®) green as a fluorescent probe, the strychnobiflavone demonstrated no interference in plasma membrane permeability. For the ex vivo biodistribution assays, the flavonoid was labeled with technetium-(99m) and studied in a mouse model by intraperitoneal route. After a single dose administration, the scintigraphic images demonstrated a highest uptake by the liver and spleen of the animals within 60 min, resulting in low concentrations after 24 h. The present study therefore demonstrated, for the first time, the antileishmanial activity of the strychnobiflavone against L. infantum, and suggests that the mitochondria of the parasites may be the possible target organelle. The preferential distribution of this compound into the liver and spleen of the animals could warrant its employ in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula S Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Chávez-Fumagalli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana T Mesquita
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, 01246-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Laís M Mata
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Simone O A Fernandes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Valbert N Cardoso
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Manuel Soto
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos A P Tavares
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João P V Leite
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andre G Tempone
- Centro de Parasitologia e Micologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, 01246-902, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Aplicada ao Estudo das Leishmanioses, Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Kloehn J, Saunders EC, O’Callaghan S, Dagley MJ, McConville MJ. Characterization of metabolically quiescent Leishmania parasites in murine lesions using heavy water labeling. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1004683. [PMID: 25714830 PMCID: PMC4340956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on the growth rate and metabolism of microbial pathogens that cause long-term chronic infections is limited, reflecting the absence of suitable tools for measuring these parameters in vivo. Here, we have measured the replication and physiological state of Leishmania mexicana parasites in murine inflammatory lesions using 2H2O labeling. Infected BALB/c mice were labeled with 2H2O for up to 4 months, and the turnover of parasite DNA, RNA, protein and membrane lipids estimated from the rate of deuterium enrichment in constituent pentose sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids, respectively. We show that the replication rate of parasite stages in these tissues is very slow (doubling time of ~12 days), but remarkably constant throughout lesion development. Lesion parasites also exhibit markedly lower rates of RNA synthesis, protein turnover and membrane lipid synthesis than parasite stages isolated from ex vivo infected macrophages or cultured in vitro, suggesting that formation of lesions induces parasites to enter a semi-quiescent physiological state. Significantly, the determined parasite growth rate accounts for the overall increase in parasite burden indicating that parasite death and turnover of infected host cells in these lesions is minimal. We propose that the Leishmania response to lesion formation is an important adaptive strategy that minimizes macrophage activation, providing a permissive environment that supports progressive expansion of parasite burden. This labeling approach can be used to measure the dynamics of other host-microbe interactions in situ. Microbial pathogens can adapt to changing conditions in their hosts by switching between different growth and physiological states. However, current methods for measuring microbial physiology in vivo are limited, hampering detailed dissection of host-pathogen interactions. Here we have used heavy water labeling to measure the growth rate and physiological state of Leishmania parasites in murine lesions. Based on the rate of in situ labeling of parasite DNA, RNA, protein, and lipids, we show that the growth rate of intracellular parasite stages is very slow, and that these stages enter a semi-quiescent state characterized by very low rates of RNA, protein, and membrane turnover. These changes in parasite growth and physiology are more pronounced than in in vitro differentiated parasites, suggesting that they are induced in part by the lesion environment. Despite their slow growth, the parasite burden in these lesions progressively increases as a result of low rates of parasite death and host cell turnover. We propose that these changes in Leishmania growth and physiology contribute to the development of a relatively benign tissue environment that is permissive for long term parasite expansion. This approach is suitable for studying the dynamics of other host-pathogen systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eleanor C. Saunders
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sean O’Callaghan
- Metabolomics Australia, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael J. Dagley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm J. McConville
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Metabolomics Australia, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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26
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Nico D, Maran N, Santos L, Ramos-Junior ES, Mantuano NR, Coutinho JLP, Vale AM, Freire-de-Lima CG, Todeschini A, Rodrigues JCF, Palatnik-de-Sousa CB, Morrot A. Expression of leukosialin (CD43) defines a major intrahepatic T cell subset associated with protective responses in visceral leishmaniasis. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:111. [PMID: 25874567 PMCID: PMC4340829 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0721-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis is a neglected vector-borne tropical disease caused by Leishmania protozoa that are transmitted to mammalian hosts by infected sand flies. Infection is associated with distinct clinical manifestations that include cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral lesions. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe form of the disease and is considered second in terms of mortality and fourth in terms of morbidity among tropical diseases. IFN-γ-producing T cells are involved in protection against the disease. Methods CD43+/+ and CD43-/- mice on a C57BL/6 background were intravenously injected with 5 × 10 7 amastigotes of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi, and 30 days after infection the clinical signs of disease were examined; the splenocytes were isolated and assayed for cytokine production; and the livers were removed for phenotypic analysis of T cell subsets by flow cytometry. Results We report that mice lacking CD43 display increased susceptibility to infection by Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi, with higher parasite burdens than wild-type mice. The increased susceptibility of CD43−/− mice were associated with a weakened delayed hypersensitivity response and reduced levels of IgG2a antibodies to leishmania antigens. We further showed that expression of CD43 defines a major intrahepatic CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets with pro-inflammatory phenotypes and leads to increased levels of IFN-γ secretion by activated splenocytes. Conclusions Our findings point to a role of CD43 in the development of host resistance to visceral leishmaniasis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0721-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexandre Morrot
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), CCS - Sala D1-035, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 - Cidade Universitária, CEP 21.941-902, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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27
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Cañeda-Guzmán IC, Salaiza-Suazo N, Fernández-Figueroa EA, Carrada-Figueroa G, Aguirre-García M, Becker I. NK cell activity differs between patients with localized and diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis infected with Leishmania mexicana: a comparative study of TLRs and cytokines. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112410. [PMID: 25397678 PMCID: PMC4232367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania mexicana causes localized (LCL) or diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL). The cause of dissemination in DCL remains unknown, yet NK cells possibly play a role in activating leishmanicidal mechanisms during innate and adaptive immune responses. We had previously shown that Leishmania lipophosphoglycan (LPG) is a ligand for TLR2, activating human NK cells. We have now analyzed NK cells in LCL and DCL patients. NK numbers and effector mechanisms differed drastically between both groups of patients: DCL patients showed reduced NK cell numbers; diminished IFN-γ and TNF-α production; and lower TLR2, TLR1, and TLR6 expression as compared to LCL patients. The altered protein expression found in NK cells of DCL patients correlated with their down-regulation of IFN-γ gene expression in LPG-stimulated and non-stimulated cells as compared to LCL patients. NK cell response was further analyzed according to gender, age, and disease evolution in LCL patients showing that female patients produced higher IFN-γ levels throughout the disease progression, whereas TLR2 expression diminished in both genders with prolonged disease evolution and age. We furthermore show the activation pathway of LPG binding to TLR2 and demonstrated that TLR2 forms immunocomplexes with TLR1 and TLR6. In addition to the reduced NK cell numbers in peripheral blood, DCL patients also showed reduced NK cell numbers in the lesions. They were randomly scattered within the lesions, showing diminished cytokine production, which contrasts with those of LCL lesions, where NK cells produced IFN-γ and TNF-α and were found within organized granulomas. We conclude that in DCL patients the reduced NK-cell numbers and their diminished activity, evidenced by low TLR expression and low cytokine production, are possibly involved in the severity of the disease. Our results provide new information on the contribution of NK cells in Leishmania infections of the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Cristina Cañeda-Guzmán
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Hospital General de México, México, D.F., México
| | - Norma Salaiza-Suazo
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Hospital General de México, México, D.F., México
| | - Edith A. Fernández-Figueroa
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Hospital General de México, México, D.F., México
| | | | - Magdalena Aguirre-García
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Hospital General de México, México, D.F., México
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Unidad de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Hospital General de México, México, D.F., México
- * E-mail:
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Mortaz E, Adcock IM, Barnes PJ. Sarcoidosis: Role of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Int J Mycobacteriol 2014; 3:225-9. [PMID: 26786620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmyco.2014.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous inflammatory disease that is induced by unknown antigen(s) in a genetically susceptible host. Although the direct link between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection and sarcoidosis can be excluded on the basis of current knowledge, non-infectious mechanisms may explain the causative role of mycobacterial antigens. Ever since sarcoidosis was first described, its relationship with tuberculosis (TB) has been under-investigated. Whereas some researchers consider sarcoidosis and TB as two examples of the same disease process, others have rejected mycobacteria as playing any causative role in sarcoidosis. Whether they are linked causally or not, clinical evidence makes a differential diagnosis between the two conditions very challenging, particularly in countries with high burden of TB. The present study analyzes the relationship between sarcoidosis and TB and its implications in clinical practice. The coincidence of TB and sarcoidosis and the higher incidence of mycobacterial DNA in biological samples of sarcoid patients have been reported by many authors. In addition, new evidence of a similarity in MTB phenotype in sarcoidosis is provided. Overall, these observations suggest that TB and sarcoidosis may not only share the same etiology, but may even be different aspects of one disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmaeil Mortaz
- Division of Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research and Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cell and Molecular Biology Group, Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Dovehouse Street, London, UK
| | - Ian M Adcock
- Cell and Molecular Biology Group, Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Dovehouse Street, London, UK.
| | - Peter J Barnes
- Cell and Molecular Biology Group, Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Dovehouse Street, London, UK
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29
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Broos CE, van Nimwegen M, Hoogsteden HC, Hendriks RW, Kool M, van den Blink B. Granuloma formation in pulmonary sarcoidosis. Front Immunol 2013; 4:437. [PMID: 24339826 PMCID: PMC3857538 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disorder of unknown cause, affecting multiple organs, but mainly the lungs. The exact order of immunological events remains obscure. Reviewing current literature, combined with careful clinical observations, we propose a model for granuloma formation in pulmonary sarcoidosis. A tight collaboration between macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocyte subsets, initiates the first steps toward granuloma formation, orchestrated by cytokines and chemokines. In a substantial part of pulmonary sarcoidosis patients, granuloma formation becomes an on-going process, leading to debilitating disease, and sometimes death. The immunological response, determining granuloma sustainment is not well understood. An impaired immunosuppressive function of regulatory T cells has been suggested to contribute to the exaggerated response. Interestingly, therapeutical agents commonly used in sarcoidosis, such as glucocorticosteroids and anti-TNF agents, interfere with granuloma integrity and restore the immune homeostasis in autoimmune disorders. Increasing insight into their mechanisms of action may contribute to the search for new therapeutical targets in pulmonary sarcoidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Broos
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC , Rotterdam , Netherlands
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A Petri net model of granulomatous inflammation: implications for IL-10 mediated control of Leishmania donovani infection. PLoS Comput Biol 2013; 9:e1003334. [PMID: 24363630 PMCID: PMC3867212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental visceral leishmaniasis, caused by infection of mice with the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani, is characterized by focal accumulation of inflammatory cells in the liver, forming discrete “granulomas” within which the parasite is eventually eliminated. To shed new light on fundamental aspects of granuloma formation and function, we have developed an in silico Petri net model that simulates hepatic granuloma development throughout the course of infection. The model was extensively validated by comparison with data derived from experimental studies in mice, and the model robustness was assessed by a sensitivity analysis. The model recapitulated the progression of disease as seen during experimental infection and also faithfully predicted many of the changes in cellular composition seen within granulomas over time. By conducting in silico experiments, we have identified a previously unappreciated level of inter-granuloma diversity in terms of the development of anti-leishmanial activity. Furthermore, by simulating the impact of IL-10 gene deficiency in a variety of lymphocyte and myeloid cell populations, our data suggest a dominant local regulatory role for IL-10 produced by infected Kupffer cells at the core of the granuloma. Granulomatous inflammation is a common feature of chronic infectious and non-infectious disease. In the parasitic disease visceral leishmaniasis, the formation of granulomas in the liver is a hallmark of effective cellular immunity and host resistance to infection. Conventional experimental models, however, have inherent limitations in their capacity to assess the dynamics of this complex inflammatory response and in their ability to discriminate the local contribution of different immune cells and mediators to the outcome of infection. To overcome these limitations and to provide a future platform for evaluating how novel drugs might be used to improve host resistance, we have developed a computational model of the Leishmania granuloma. Using this model, we show that conventional measures of parasite load potentially mask an underlying heterogeneity in the ability of individual granulomas to control parasite number. In addition, we have used our model to provide novel insights into the relative importance of IL-10 production by different immune cells found within the granuloma microenvironment. Our model thus provides a complementary tool to increase understanding of granulomatous inflammation in this and other important human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dov L Boros
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine , Detroit, MI, USA
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