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Dedavid E Silva LA, Parizi LF, Molossi FA, Driemeier D, da Silva Vaz Junior I. Rhipicephalus microplus thyropin-like protein: Structural and immunologic analyzes. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110136. [PMID: 38290194 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110136] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Tick saliva has a pivotal function in parasitism. It has pharmacological and immunomodulatory properties, with several proteins reported in its composition. Thyroglobulin type-1 domain protease inhibitor (thyropin)-like proteins are found in tick saliva, but their function, properties and structures are poorly characterized. It has been reported that thyropins are capable of inhibiting cysteine peptidases present in antigen-presenting cells. To elucidate the role of thyropin-like proteins in ticks, we conducted in silico analysis and cloned an open reading frame from a thyropin-like protein found in Rhipicephalus microplus. The recombinant protein was successfully expressed, followed by immunological characterization and a vaccine trial against Rhipicephalus sanguineus in rabbits. Several differences are observed between thyropin-like proteins from hard and soft ticks, especially the number of thyroglobulin domains and predicted glycosylation pattern. Thyropin-like proteins also differ between postriata and metastriata ticks, the latter having a coil-domain at the C-terminal region and high number of predicted glycosylation sites. Overall, the data suggested divergence in thyropin-like proteins functions among ticks. The recombinant thyropin-like protein is immunogenic and the antibodies against it are able to recognize the native protein in tick saliva and tissues. While the recombinant protein does not elicit a protective response against R. sanguineus infestation, its characterization paves the way for further investigations aimed at determining the precise function of this protein in tick physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Andre Dedavid E Silva
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil
| | - Franciéli Adriane Molossi
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre 91540-000, RS, Brazil
| | - David Driemeier
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre 91540-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43421, Porto Alegre 91501-970, RS, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre 91540-000, RS, Brazil.
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2
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Tang X, Lynn GE, Cui Y, Cerny J, Arora G, Tomayko MM, Craft J, Fikrig E. Bulk and single-nucleus RNA sequencing highlight immune pathways induced in individuals during an Ixodes scapularis tick bite. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0028223. [PMID: 37846980 PMCID: PMC10652856 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00282-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous arthropods that use a complex mixture of salivary proteins to evade host defenses while taking a blood meal. Little is known about the immunological and physiological consequences of tick feeding on humans. Here, we performed the first bulk and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) of skin and blood of four persons presenting with naturally acquired, attached Ixodes scapularis ticks. Pathways and individual genes associated with innate and adaptive immunity were identified based on bulk RNA sequencing, including interleukin-17 signaling and platelet activation pathways at the site of tick attachment or in peripheral blood. snRNA-seq further revealed that the Hippo signaling, cell adhesion, and axon guidance pathways were involved in the response to an I. scapularis bite in humans. Features of the host response in these individuals also overlapped with that of laboratory guinea pigs exposed to I. scapularis and which acquired resistance to ticks. These findings offer novel insights for the development of new biomarkers for I. scapularis exposure and anti-tick vaccines for human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Tang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Geoffrey E. Lynn
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yingjun Cui
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jiri Cerny
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha-Suchdol, Czechia
| | - Gunjan Arora
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mary M. Tomayko
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joseph Craft
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Cano-Argüelles AL, Pérez-Sánchez R, Oleaga A. A microRNA profile of the saliva in the argasid ticks Ornithodoros erraticus and Ornithodoros moubata and prediction of specific target genes. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102249. [PMID: 37689036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Ornithodoros erraticus and Ornithodoros moubata ticks are the main vectors of the agents of human relapsing fever (TBRF) and African swine fever (ASF) in the Mediterranean Basin and Africa, respectively. Tick saliva is crucial for complete tick feeding and pathogen transmission, as it contains numerous molecules such as proteins, lipids, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) including microRNAs (miRNA). MiRNAs are small ncRNAs capable of regulating the expression of their target messenger RNA (mRNA) leading to degradation or inhibition of its translation into protein. Research on miRNAs from ixodid ticks has revealed that miRNAs are involved in the regulation of different physiological processes of ticks, as well as in the modulation of host gene expression, immune response to tick bite and pathogen transmission. Regarding argasid ticks, there is not information about their miRNAs or their potential involvement in tick physiology and/or in the regulation of the tick-host-pathogen interactions. The aim of this work was to profile the miRNAs expressed in the saliva of O. erraticus and O. moubata, and the in silico prediction and functional analysis of their target genes in the swine host. As a whole, up to 72 conserved miRNAs families were identified in both species: 35 of them were shared and 23 and 14 families were unique to O. erraticus and O. moubata, respectively. The most abundant miRNAs families were mir-1, mir-10 and let-7 in O. erraticus and let-7, mir-252, mir-10 in O. moubata. Four miRNAs sequences of each species were validated by RT-qPCR confirming their presence in the saliva. Target gene prediction in the host (Sus scrofa) and functional analysis showed that the selected miRNAs are mainly involved in processes related to signal transduction, regulation of mRNA transcription and gene expression, synapse regulation, immune response, angiogenesis and vascular development. These results suggest that miRNAs could play an important role at the tick-host interface, providing new insights into this complex relationship that may contribute to a more precise selection of tick molecules for the development of therapeutic and immune strategies to control tick infestations and tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Laura Cano-Argüelles
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Pérez-Sánchez
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain
| | - Ana Oleaga
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain.
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Bishop LJ, Stutzer C, Maritz-Olivier C. More than Three Decades of Bm86: What We Know and Where to Go. Pathogens 2023; 12:1071. [PMID: 37764879 PMCID: PMC10537462 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick and tick-borne disease control have been a serious research focus for many decades. In a global climate of increasing acaricide resistance, host immunity against tick infestation has become a much-needed complementary strategy to common chemical control. From the earliest acquired resistance studies in small animal models to proof of concept in large production animals, it was the isolation, characterization, and final recombinant protein production of the midgut antigen Bm86 from the Australian cattle tick strain of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (later reinstated as R. (B.) australis) that established tick subunit vaccines as a viable alternative in tick and tick-borne disease control. In the past 37 years, this antigen has spawned numerous tick subunit vaccines (either Bm86-based or novel), and though we are still describing its molecular structure and function, this antigen remains the gold standard for all tick vaccines. In this paper, advances in tick vaccine development over the past three decades are discussed alongside the development of biotechnology, where existing gaps and future directives in the field are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christine Maritz-Olivier
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0083, South Africa; (L.J.B.); (C.S.)
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Parizi LF, Githaka NW, Logullo C, Zhou J, Onuma M, Termignoni C, da Silva Vaz I. Universal Tick Vaccines: Candidates and Remaining Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2031. [PMID: 37370541 DOI: 10.3390/ani13122031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in molecular biology, particularly regarding massively parallel sequencing technologies, have enabled scientists to gain more insight into the physiology of ticks. While there has been progress in identifying tick proteins and the pathways they are involved in, the specificities of tick-host interaction at the molecular level are not yet fully understood. Indeed, the development of effective commercial tick vaccines has been slower than expected. While omics studies have pointed to some potential vaccine immunogens, selecting suitable antigens for a multi-antigenic vaccine is very complex due to the participation of redundant molecules in biological pathways. The expansion of ticks and their pathogens into new territories and exposure to new hosts makes it necessary to evaluate vaccine efficacy in unusual and non-domestic host species. This situation makes ticks and tick-borne diseases an increasing threat to animal and human health globally, demanding an urgent availability of vaccines against multiple tick species and their pathogens. This review discusses the challenges and advancements in the search for universal tick vaccines, including promising new antigen candidates, and indicates future directions in this crucial research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Fernando Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Logullo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Misao Onuma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91540-000, Brazil
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Guerrib F, Ning C, Mateos-Hernandéz L, Rakotobe S, Park Y, Hajdusek O, Perner J, Vancová M, Valdés JJ, Šimo L. Dual SIFamide receptors in Ixodes salivary glands. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023:103963. [PMID: 37257628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Salivary glands are vital to tick feeding success and also play a crucial role in tick-borne pathogen transmission. In previous studies of Ixodes scapularis salivary glands, we demonstrated that saliva-producing type II and III acini are innervated by neuropeptidergic axons which release different classes of neuropeptides via their terminals (Šimo et al., 2009b, 2013). Among these, the neuropeptide SIFamide-along with its cognate receptor-were postulated to control the basally located acinar valve via basal epithelial and myoepithelial cells (Vancová et al., 2019). Here, we functionally characterized a second SIFamide receptor (SIFa_R2) from the I. scapularis genome and proved that it senses a low nanomolar level of its corresponding ligand. Insect SIFamide paralogs, SMYamides, also activated the receptor but less effectively compared to SIFamide. Bioinformatic and molecular dynamic analyses suggested that I. scapularis SIFamide receptors are class A GPCRs where the peptide amidated carboxy-terminus is oriented within the receptor binding cavity. The receptor was found to be expressed in Ixodes ricinus salivary glands, synganglia, midguts, trachea, and ovaries, but not in Malpighian tubules. Investigation of the temporal expression patterns suggests that the receptor transcript is highly expressed in unfed I. ricinus female salivary glands and then decreases during feeding. In synganglia, a significant transcript increase was detected in replete ticks. In salivary gland acini, an antibody targeting the second SIFamide receptor recognized basal epithelial cells, myoepithelial cells, and basal granular cells in close proximity to the SIFamide-releasing axon terminals. Immunoreactivity was also detected in specific neurons distributed throughout various I. ricinus synganglion locations. The current findings, alongside previous reports from our group, indicate that the neuropeptide SIFamide acts via two different receptors that regulate distinct or common cell types in the basal region of type II and III acini in I. ricinus salivary glands. The current study investigates the peptidergic regulation of the I. ricinus salivary gland in detail, emphasizing the complexity of this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fetta Guerrib
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Caina Ning
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernandéz
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sabine Rakotobe
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Entomolgy department, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, 66506-4004, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Vancová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
| | - James J Valdés
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Chlastáková A, Kaščáková B, Kotál J, Langhansová H, Kotsyfakis M, Kutá Smatanová I, Tirloni L, Chmelař J. Iripin-1, a new anti-inflammatory tick serpin, inhibits leukocyte recruitment in vivo while altering the levels of chemokines and adhesion molecules. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1116324. [PMID: 36756125 PMCID: PMC9901544 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1116324] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Serpins are widely distributed and functionally diverse inhibitors of serine proteases. Ticks secrete serpins with anti-coagulation, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities via their saliva into the feeding cavity to modulate host's hemostatic and immune reaction initiated by the insertion of tick's mouthparts into skin. The suppression of the host's immune response not only allows ticks to feed on a host for several days but also creates favorable conditions for the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Herein we present the functional and structural characterization of Iripin-1 (Ixodes ricinus serpin-1), whose expression was detected in the salivary glands of the tick Ixodes ricinus, a European vector of tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Of 16 selected serine proteases, Iripin-1 inhibited primarily trypsin and further exhibited weaker inhibitory activity against kallikrein, matriptase, and plasmin. In the mouse model of acute peritonitis, Iripin-1 enhanced the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and chemokines involved in neutrophil and monocyte recruitment, including MCP-1/CCL2, a potent histamine-releasing factor. Despite increased chemokine levels, the migration of neutrophils and monocytes to inflamed peritoneal cavities was significantly attenuated following Iripin-1 administration. Based on the results of in vitro experiments, immune cell recruitment might be inhibited due to Iripin-1-mediated reduction of the expression of chemokine receptors in neutrophils and adhesion molecules in endothelial cells. Decreased activity of serine proteases in the presence of Iripin-1 could further impede cell migration to the site of inflammation. Finally, we determined the tertiary structure of native Iripin-1 at 2.10 Å resolution by employing the X-ray crystallography technique. In conclusion, our data indicate that Iripin-1 facilitates I. ricinus feeding by attenuating the host's inflammatory response at the tick attachment site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Chlastáková
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia,Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Ticks, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Barbora Kaščáková
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Jan Kotál
- Tick-Pathogen Transmission Unit, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Helena Langhansová
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Michail Kotsyfakis
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Ivana Kutá Smatanová
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Tick-Pathogen Transmission Unit, Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Jindřich Chmelař
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia,*Correspondence: Jindřich Chmelař,
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Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites capable of transmitting multiple human pathogens. Environmental changes have supported the expansion of ticks into new geographical areas that have become the epicenters of tick-borne diseases (TBDs). The spotted fever group (SFG) of Rickettsia frequently infects ticks and causes tick-transmitted rickettsioses in areas of endemicity where ixodid ticks support host transmission during blood feeding. Ticks also serve as a reservoir for SFG Rickettsia. Among the members of SFG Rickettsia, R. rickettsii causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), the most lethal TBD in the United States. Cases of RMSF have been reported for over a century in association with several species of ticks in the United States. However, the isolation of R. rickettsii from ticks has decreased, and recent serological and epidemiological studies suggest that novel species of SFG Rickettsia are responsible for the increased number of cases of RMSF-like rickettsioses in the United States. Recent analyses of rickettsial genomes and advances in genetic and molecular studies of Rickettsia provided insights into the biology of Rickettsia with the identification of conserved and unique putative virulence genes involved in the rickettsial life cycle. Thus, understanding Rickettsia-host-tick interactions mediating successful disease transmission and pathogenesis for SFG rickettsiae remains an active area of research. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding how SFG Rickettsia species coopt and manipulate ticks and mammalian hosts to cause rickettsioses, with a particular emphasis on newly described or emerging SFG Rickettsia species.
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Lobba ARM, Alvarez-Flores MP, Fessel MR, Buri MV, Oliveira DS, Gomes RN, Cunegundes PS, DeOcesano-Pereira C, Cinel VD, Chudzinski-Tavassi AM. A Kunitz-type inhibitor from tick salivary glands: A promising novel antitumor drug candidate. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:936107. [PMID: 36052162 PMCID: PMC9424826 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.936107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Salivary glands are vital structures responsible for successful tick feeding. The saliva of ticks contains numerous active molecules that participate in several physiological processes. A Kunitz-type factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor, similar to the tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) precursor, was identified in the salivary gland transcriptome of Amblyomma sculptum ticks. The recombinant mature form of this Kunitz-type inhibitor, named Amblyomin-X, displayed anticoagulant, antiangiogenic, and antitumor properties. Amblyomin-X is a protein that inhibits FXa in the blood coagulation cascade and acts via non-hemostatic mechanisms, such as proteasome inhibition. Amblyomin-X selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells and promotes tumor regression through these mechanisms. Notably, the cytotoxicity of Amblyomin-X seems to be restricted to tumor cells and does not affect non-tumorigenic cells, tissues, and organs, making this recombinant protein an attractive molecule for anticancer therapy. The cytotoxic activity of Amblyomin-X on tumor cells has led to vast exploration into this protein. Here, we summarize the function, action mechanisms, structural features, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of this tick Kunitz-type inhibitor recombinant protein as a promising novel antitumor drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline R. M. Lobba
- Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery-CENTD, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Development and Innovation Centre, Butantan Institute, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miryam Paola Alvarez-Flores
- Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery-CENTD, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Development and Innovation Centre, Butantan Institute, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Melissa Regina Fessel
- Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery-CENTD, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Development and Innovation Centre, Butantan Institute, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinicius Buri
- Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery-CENTD, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Development and Innovation Centre, Butantan Institute, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Douglas S. Oliveira
- Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery-CENTD, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Development and Innovation Centre, Butantan Institute, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata N. Gomes
- Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery-CENTD, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Development and Innovation Centre, Butantan Institute, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila S. Cunegundes
- Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery-CENTD, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Development and Innovation Centre, Butantan Institute, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos DeOcesano-Pereira
- Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery-CENTD, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Development and Innovation Centre, Butantan Institute, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor D. Cinel
- Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery-CENTD, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Development and Innovation Centre, Butantan Institute, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana M. Chudzinski-Tavassi
- Centre of Excellence in New Target Discovery-CENTD, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Development and Innovation Centre, Butantan Institute, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Ana M. Chudzinski-Tavassi,
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10
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Groth M, Skrzydlewska E, Dobrzyńska M, Pancewicz S, Moniuszko-Malinowska A. Redox Imbalance and Its Metabolic Consequences in Tick-Borne Diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:870398. [PMID: 35937690 PMCID: PMC9353526 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.870398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the growing global health problems are vector-borne diseases, including tick-borne diseases. The most common tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Taking into account the metabolic effects in the patient’s body, tick-borne diseases are a significant problem from an epidemiological and clinical point of view. Inflammation and oxidative stress are key elements in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, including tick-borne diseases. In consequence, this leads to oxidative modifications of the structure and function of phospholipids and proteins and results in qualitative and quantitative changes at the level of lipid mediators arising in both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS enzyme–dependent reactions. These types of metabolic modifications affect the functioning of the cells and the host organism. Therefore, links between the severity of the disease state and redox imbalance and the level of phospholipid metabolites are being searched, hoping to find unambiguous diagnostic biomarkers. Assessment of molecular effects of oxidative stress may also enable the monitoring of the disease process and treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Groth
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
- *Correspondence: Monika Groth,
| | - Elżbieta Skrzydlewska
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Marta Dobrzyńska
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sławomir Pancewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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11
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Abbas MN, Chlastáková A, Jmel MA, Iliaki-Giannakoudaki E, Chmelař J, Kotsyfakis M. Serpins in Tick Physiology and Tick-Host Interaction. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:892770. [PMID: 35711658 PMCID: PMC9195624 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.892770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick saliva has been extensively studied in the context of tick-host interactions because it is involved in host homeostasis modulation and microbial pathogen transmission to the host. Accumulated knowledge about the tick saliva composition at the molecular level has revealed that serine protease inhibitors play a key role in the tick-host interaction. Serpins are one highly expressed group of protease inhibitors in tick salivary glands, their expression can be induced during tick blood-feeding, and they have many biological functions at the tick-host interface. Indeed, tick serpins have an important role in inhibiting host hemostatic processes and in the modulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses of their vertebrate hosts. Tick serpins have also been studied as potential candidates for therapeutic use and vaccine development. In this review, we critically summarize the current state of knowledge about the biological role of tick serpins in shaping tick-host interactions with emphasis on the mechanisms by which they modulate host immunity. Their potential use in drug and vaccine development is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Adéla Chlastáková
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Ticks, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Mohamed Amine Jmel
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | | | - Jindřich Chmelař
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jindřich Chmelař, ; Michail Kotsyfakis,
| | - Michail Kotsyfakis
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jindřich Chmelař, ; Michail Kotsyfakis,
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12
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Alrashdi I, Alsubaiyel A, Chan M, Battell EE, Ennaceur A, Nunn MA, Weston-Davies W, Chazot PL, Obara I. Votucalis, a Novel Centrally Sparing Histamine-Binding Protein, Attenuates Histaminergic Itch and Neuropathic Pain in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:846683. [PMID: 35350753 PMCID: PMC8957863 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.846683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Votucalis is a biologically active protein in tick (R. appendiculatus) saliva, which specifically binds histamine with high affinity and, therefore, has the potential to inhibit the host’s immunological responses at the feeding site. We hypothesized that scavenging of peripherally released endogenous histamine by Votucalis results in both anti-itch and anti-nociceptive effects. To test this hypothesis, adult male mice were subjected to histaminergic itch, as well as peripheral nerve injury that resulted in neuropathic pain. Thus, we selected models where peripherally released histamine was shown to be a key regulator. In these models, the animals received systemic (intraperitoneal, i.p.) or peripheral transdermal (subcutaneous, s.c. or intraplantar, i.pl.) administrations of Votucalis and itch behavior, as well as mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, were evaluated. Selective histamine receptor antagonists were used to determine the involvement of histamine receptors in the effects produced by Votucalis. We also used the spontaneous object recognition test to confirm the centrally sparing properties of Votucalis. Our main finding shows that in histamine-dependent itch and neuropathic pain models peripheral (s.c. or i.pl.) administration of Votucalis displayed a longer duration of action for a lower dose range, when compared with Votucalis systemic (i.p.) effects. Stronger anti-itch effect was observed after co-administration of Votucalis (s.c.) and antagonists that inhibited peripheral histamine H1 and H2 receptors as well as central histamine H4 receptors indicating the importance of these histamine receptors in itch. In neuropathic mice, Votucalis produced a potent and complete anti-nociceptive effect on mechanical hypersensitivity, while thermal (heat) hypersensitivity was largely unaffected. Overall, our findings further emphasize the key role for histamine in the regulation of histaminergic itch and chronic neuropathic pain. Given the effectiveness of Votucalis after peripheral transdermal administration, with a lack of central effects, we provide here the first evidence that scavenging of peripherally released histamine by Votucalis may represent a novel therapeutically effective and safe long-term strategy for the management of these refractory health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Alrashdi
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Amal Alsubaiyel
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Emma E Battell
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Abdel Ennaceur
- School of Pharmacy, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Paul L Chazot
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Ilona Obara
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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13
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Ali A, Zeb I, Alouffi A, Zahid H, Almutairi MM, Ayed Alshammari F, Alrouji M, Termignoni C, Vaz IDS, Tanaka T. Host Immune Responses to Salivary Components - A Critical Facet of Tick-Host Interactions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:809052. [PMID: 35372098 PMCID: PMC8966233 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.809052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick sialome is comprised of a rich cocktail of bioactive molecules that function as a tool to disarm host immunity, assist blood-feeding, and play a vibrant role in pathogen transmission. The adaptation of the tick's blood-feeding behavior has lead to the evolution of bioactive molecules in its saliva to assist them to overwhelm hosts' defense mechanisms. During a blood meal, a tick secretes different salivary molecules including vasodilators, platelet aggregation inhibitors, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory proteins, and inhibitors of complement activation; the salivary repertoire changes to meet various needs such as tick attachment, feeding, and modulation or impairment of the local dynamic and vigorous host responses. For instance, the tick's salivary immunomodulatory and cement proteins facilitate the tick's attachment to the host to enhance prolonged blood-feeding and to modulate the host's innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent advances implemented in the field of "omics" have substantially assisted our understanding of host immune modulation and immune inhibition against the molecular dynamics of tick salivary molecules in a crosstalk between the tick-host interface. A deep understanding of the tick salivary molecules, their substantial roles in multifactorial immunological cascades, variations in secretion, and host immune responses against these molecules is necessary to control these parasites. In this article, we reviewed updated knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying host responses to diverse elements in tick saliva throughout tick invasion, as well as host defense strategies. In conclusion, understanding the mechanisms involved in the complex interactions between the tick salivary components and host responses is essential to decipher the host defense mechanisms against the tick evasion strategies at tick-host interface which is promising in the development of effective anti-tick vaccines and drug therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Ismail Zeb
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafsa Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahdah Ayed Alshammari
- College of Sciences and Literature Microbiology, Nothern Border University, Rafha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alrouji
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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14
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Agwunobi DO, Wang N, Huang L, Zhang Y, Chang G, Wang K, Li M, Wang H, Liu J. Phosphoproteomic Analysis of Haemaphysalis longicornis Saliva Reveals the Influential Contributions of Phosphoproteins to Blood-Feeding Success. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:769026. [PMID: 35118006 PMCID: PMC8804221 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.769026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick saliva, an essential chemical secretion of the tick salivary gland, is indispensable for tick survival owing to the physiological influence it exerts on the host defence mechanisms via the instrumentality of its cocktail of pharmacologically active molecules (proteins and peptides). Much research about tick salivary proteome has been performed, but how most of the individual salivary proteins are utilized by ticks to facilitate blood acquisition and pathogen transmission is not yet fully understood. In addition, the phosphorylation of some proteins plays a decisive role in their function. However, due to the low phosphorylation level of protein, especially for a small amount of protein, it is more difficult to study phosphorylation. Maybe, for this reason, the scarcity of works on the phosphorylated tick salivary proteomes still abound. Here, we performed a phosphoproteomic analysis of Haemaphysalis longicornis tick saliva via TiO2 enrichment and the most advanced Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris 480 mass spectrometer for identification. A total of 262 phosphorylated tick saliva proteins were identified and were subjected to functional annotation/enrichment analysis. Cellular and metabolic process terms accounted for the largest proportion of the saliva proteins, with the participation of these proteins in vital intracellular and extracellular transport-oriented processes such as vesicle-mediated transport, exocytic process, cell adhesion, and movement of cell/subcellular component. “Endocytosis”, “Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum”, and “Purine metabolism” were the most significantly enriched pathways. The knockdown (RNAi) of Tudor domain-containing protein (TCP), actin-depolymerizing factors (ADF), programmed cell death protein (PD), and serine/threonine-protein kinase (SPK) resulted in the dissociation of collagen fibers and the pilosebaceous unit, increased inflammatory infiltrates/granulocytes (possibly heterophiles), and the depletion of the epithelium. Ticks injected with SPK dsRNA engorged normally but with a change in skin colour (possibly an autoimmune reaction) and the failure to produce eggs pointing to a possible role of SPK in reproduction and host immune modulation. Ticks injected with ADF dsRNA failed to acquire blood, underscoring the role of ADF in facilitating tick feeding. The results of this study showed the presence of phosphorylation in tick saliva and highlight the roles of salivary phosphoproteins in facilitating tick feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond O. Agwunobi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ningmei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Hebei Xiaowutai Mountain National Nature Reserve Management Center, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Yefei Zhang
- Hebei Xiaowutai Mountain National Nature Reserve Management Center, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Guomin Chang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Kuang Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mengxue Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Jingze Liu, ; Hui Wang,
| | - Jingze Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Jingze Liu, ; Hui Wang,
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15
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Aguilar-Díaz H, Quiroz-Castañeda RE, Salazar-Morales K, Miranda-Miranda E. A newly optimized protocol to extract high-quality hemolymph from the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus: Improving the old conditions. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 2:100066. [PMID: 36589873 PMCID: PMC9795341 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites with importance to animal and human health. In recent years, the study of ticks has had significant development, including immune response, vector-host interactions, physiological and multi-omics approaches. However, one of the main impediments is obtaining a significant amount of high-quality hemolymph. For this reason, we developed a protocol that allows obtaining up to 100 μl of hemolymph free of host blood per engorged tick. The technique consists of continuous hipocuticular punctures of the tick dorsum and an anticoagulant buffer that impedes hemolymph coagulation, allowing constant extravasation and ensuring high yields. Additionally, the hemocytes recovered with this protocol are intact and can be used for further analysis. The high-quality hemolymph obtained using this protocol and its applications will help to better understand the processes involving the hemolymph and its components. Although there are other hemolymph extraction protocols, the method developed here is very well suited for Rhipicephalus microplus, and in our experience, results in better yields and high-quality samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Aguilar-Díaz
- Unidad de Artropodología del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico,Corresponding author.
| | - Rosa Estela Quiroz-Castañeda
- Unidad de Anaplasmosis del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Karina Salazar-Morales
- Unidad de Artropodología del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Estefan Miranda-Miranda
- Unidad de Artropodología del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
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16
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Bhattacharya S, Nuttall PA. Phylogenetic Analysis Indicates That Evasin-Like Proteins of Ixodid Ticks Fall Into Three Distinct Classes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:769542. [PMID: 34746035 PMCID: PMC8569228 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.769542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are structurally related proteins that activate leucocyte migration in response to injury or infection. Tick saliva contains chemokine-binding proteins or evasins which likely neutralize host chemokine function and inflammation. Biochemical characterisation of 50 evasins from Ixodes, Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus shows that they fall into two functional classes, A and B, with exclusive binding to either CC- or CXC- chemokines, respectively. Class A evasins, EVA1 and EVA4 have a four-disulfide-bonded core, whereas the class B evasin EVA3 has a three-disulfide-bonded “knottin” structure. All 29 class B evasins have six cysteine residues conserved with EVA3, arrangement of which defines a Cys6-motif. Nineteen of 21 class A evasins have eight cysteine residues conserved with EVA1/EVA4, the arrangement of which defines a Cys8-motif. Two class A evasins from Ixodes (IRI01, IHO01) have less than eight cysteines. Many evasin-like proteins have been identified in tick salivary transcriptomes, but their phylogenetic relationship with respect to biochemically characterized evasins is not clear. Here, using BLAST searches of tick transcriptomes with biochemically characterized evasins, we identify 292 class A and 157 class B evasins and evasin-like proteins from Prostriate (Ixodes), and Metastriate (Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Hyalomma, Rhipicephalus) ticks. Phylogenetic analysis shows that class A evasins/evasin-like proteins segregate into two classes, A1 and A2. Class A1 members are exclusive to Metastriate ticks and typically have a Cys8-motif and include EVA1 and EVA4. Class A2 members are exclusive to Prostriate ticks, lack the Cys8-motif, and include IHO01 and IRI01. Class B evasins/evasin-like proteins are present in both Prostriate and Metastriate lineages, typically have a Cys6-motif, and include EVA3. Most evasins/evasin-like proteins in Metastriate ticks belong to class A1, whereas in Prostriate species they are predominantly class B. In keeping with this, the majority of biochemically characterized Metastriate evasins bind CC-chemokines, whereas the majority of Prostriate evasins bind CXC-chemokines. While the origin of the structurally dissimilar classes A1 and A2 is yet unresolved, these results suggest that class B evasin-like proteins arose before the divergence of Prostriate and Metastriate lineages and likely functioned to neutralize CXC-chemokines and support blood feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoumo Bhattacharya
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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17
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Denisov SS, Dijkgraaf I. Immunomodulatory Proteins in Tick Saliva From a Structural Perspective. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:769574. [PMID: 34722347 PMCID: PMC8548845 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.769574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To feed successfully, ticks must bypass or suppress the host’s defense mechanisms, particularly the immune system. To accomplish this, ticks secrete specialized immunomodulatory proteins into their saliva, just like many other blood-sucking parasites. However, the strategy of ticks is rather unique compared to their counterparts. Ticks’ tendency for gene duplication has led to a diverse arsenal of dozens of closely related proteins from several classes to modulate the immune system’s response. Among these are chemokine-binding proteins, complement pathways inhibitors, ion channels modulators, and numerous poorly characterized proteins whose functions are yet to be uncovered. Studying tick immunomodulatory proteins would not only help to elucidate tick-host relationships but would also provide a rich pool of potential candidates for the development of immunomodulatory intervention drugs and potentially new vaccines. In the present review, we will attempt to summarize novel findings on the salivary immunomodulatory proteins of ticks, focusing on biomolecular targets, structure-activity relationships, and the perspective of their development into therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stepan S Denisov
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Dijkgraaf
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
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18
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Schneider CA, Calvo E, Peterson KE. Arboviruses: How Saliva Impacts the Journey from Vector to Host. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179173. [PMID: 34502092 PMCID: PMC8431069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses, referred to collectively as arboviruses, infect millions of people worldwide each year and have the potential to cause severe disease. They are predominately transmitted to humans through blood-feeding behavior of three main groups of biting arthropods: ticks, mosquitoes, and sandflies. The pathogens harbored by these blood-feeding arthropods (BFA) are transferred to animal hosts through deposition of virus-rich saliva into the skin. Sometimes these infections become systemic and can lead to neuro-invasion and life-threatening viral encephalitis. Factors intrinsic to the arboviral vectors can greatly influence the pathogenicity and virulence of infections, with mounting evidence that BFA saliva and salivary proteins can shift the trajectory of viral infection in the host. This review provides an overview of arbovirus infection and ways in which vectors influence viral pathogenesis. In particular, we focus on how saliva and salivary gland extracts from the three dominant arbovirus vectors impact the trajectory of the cellular immune response to arbovirus infection in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A. Schneider
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA;
| | - Eric Calvo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA;
| | - Karin E. Peterson
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA;
- Correspondence:
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19
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Tirloni L, Calvo E, Konnai S, da Silva Vaz I. Editorial: The Role of Saliva in Arthropod-Host-Pathogen Relationships. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:630626. [PMID: 33585290 PMCID: PMC7876279 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.630626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Tirloni
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Tick-Pathogen Transmission Unit, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Eric Calvo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, Molecular Entomology Unit, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Satoru Konnai
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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20
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Jmel MA, Aounallah H, Bensaoud C, Mekki I, Chmelař J, Faria F, M’ghirbi Y, Kotsyfakis M. Insights into the Role of Tick Salivary Protease Inhibitors during Ectoparasite-Host Crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E892. [PMID: 33477394 PMCID: PMC7831016 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protease inhibitors (PIs) are ubiquitous regulatory proteins present in all kingdoms. They play crucial tasks in controlling biological processes directed by proteases which, if not tightly regulated, can damage the host organism. PIs can be classified according to their targeted proteases or their mechanism of action. The functions of many PIs have now been characterized and are showing clinical relevance for the treatment of human diseases such as arthritis, hepatitis, cancer, AIDS, and cardiovascular diseases, amongst others. Other PIs have potential use in agriculture as insecticides, anti-fungal, and antibacterial agents. PIs from tick salivary glands are special due to their pharmacological properties and their high specificity, selectivity, and affinity to their target proteases at the tick-host interface. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of PIs in general and those PI superfamilies abundant in tick salivary glands to illustrate their possible practical applications. In doing so, we describe tick salivary PIs that are showing promise as drug candidates, highlighting the most promising ones tested in vivo and which are now progressing to preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Amine Jmel
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (M.A.J.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
| | - Hajer Aounallah
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, LR19IPTX, Service d’Entomologie Médicale, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (H.A.); (Y.M.)
- Innovation and Development Laboratory, Innovation and Development Center, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Chaima Bensaoud
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (M.A.J.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
| | - Imen Mekki
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (M.A.J.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Jindřich Chmelař
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Fernanda Faria
- Innovation and Development Laboratory, Innovation and Development Center, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
| | - Youmna M’ghirbi
- Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, LR19IPTX, Service d’Entomologie Médicale, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (H.A.); (Y.M.)
| | - Michalis Kotsyfakis
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 1160/31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; (M.A.J.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
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21
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Ahmad P, Bensaoud C, Mekki I, Rehman MU, Kotsyfakis M. Long Non-Coding RNAs and Their Potential Roles in the Vector-Host-Pathogen Triad. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11010056. [PMID: 33466803 PMCID: PMC7830631 DOI: 10.3390/life11010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding (lnc)RNAs have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression and are involved in almost every cellular process. They can bind to other molecules including DNA, proteins, or even other RNA types such messenger RNA or small RNAs. LncRNAs are typically expressed at much lower levels than mRNA, and their expression is often restricted to tissue- or time-specific developmental stages. They are also involved in several inter-species interactions, including vector–host–pathogen interactions, where they can be either vector/host-derived or encoded by pathogens. In these interactions, they function via multiple mechanisms including regulating pathogen growth and replication or via cell-autonomous antimicrobial defense mechanisms. Recent advances suggest that characterizing lncRNAs and their targets in different species may hold the key to understanding the role of this class of non-coding RNA in interspecies crosstalk. In this review, we present a general overview of recent studies related to lncRNA-related regulation of gene expression as well as their possible involvement in regulating vector–host–pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parwez Ahmad
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; (P.A.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
| | - Chaima Bensaoud
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; (P.A.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
| | - Imen Mekki
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; (P.A.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Mujeeb Ur Rehman
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Chengdu 611130, China;
| | - Michail Kotsyfakis
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), Czech Republic; (P.A.); (C.B.); (I.M.)
- Correspondence:
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22
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Sajiki Y, Konnai S, Ikenaka Y, Gulay KCM, Kobayashi A, Parizi LF, João BC, Watari K, Fujisawa S, Okagawa T, Maekawa N, Logullo C, da Silva Vaz I, Murata S, Ohashi K. Tick saliva-induced programmed death-1 and PD-ligand 1 and its related host immunosuppression. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1063. [PMID: 33441793 PMCID: PMC7806669 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80251-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a harmful parasite of cattle that causes considerable economic losses to the cattle breeding industry. Although R. microplus saliva (Rm-saliva) contains several immunosuppressants, any association between Rm-saliva and the expression of immunoinhibitory molecules, such as programmed death (PD)-1 and PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), has not been described. In this study, flow cytometric analyses revealed that Rm-saliva upregulated PD-1 expression in T cells and PD-L1 expression in CD14+ and CD11c+ cells in cattle. Additionally, Rm-saliva decreased CD69 expression in T cells and Th1 cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, PD-L1 blockade increased IFN-γ production in the presence of Rm-saliva, suggesting that Rm-saliva suppresses Th1 responses via the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. To reveal the upregulation mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 by Rm-saliva, we analyzed the function of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is known as an inducer of PD-L1 expression, in Rm-saliva. We found that Rm-saliva contained a high concentration of PGE2, and PGE2 treatment induced PD-L1 expression in CD14+ cells in vitro. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that PGE2 and PD-L1 expression was upregulated in tick-attached skin in cattle. These data suggest that PGE2 in Rm-saliva has the potential to induce the expression of immunoinhibitory molecules in host immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamato Sajiki
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Satoru Konnai
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan. .,Department of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | | | - Atsushi Kobayashi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Luís Fernando Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Benvindo Capela João
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Kei Watari
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Sotaro Fujisawa
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Okagawa
- Department of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Naoya Maekawa
- Department of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Carlos Logullo
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica Hatisaburo Masuda and Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, NUPEM-UFRJ, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Shiro Murata
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.,Department of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ohashi
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan.,Department of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
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