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Petrellis G, Piedfort O, Katsandegwaza B, Dewals BG. Parasitic worms affect virus coinfection: a mechanistic overview. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:358-372. [PMID: 36935340 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.02.007] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Helminths are parasitic worms that coevolve with their host, usually resulting in long-term persistence through modulating host immunity. The multifarious mechanisms altering the immune system induced by helminths have significant implications on the control of coinfecting pathogens such as viruses. Here, we explore the recent literature to highlight the main immune alterations and mechanisms that affect the control of viral coinfection. Insights from these mechanisms are valuable in the understanding of clinical observations in helminth-prevalent areas and in the design of new therapeutic and vaccination strategies to control viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Petrellis
- Laboratory of Parasitology, FARAH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Immunology-Vaccinology, FARAH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ophélie Piedfort
- Laboratory of Parasitology, FARAH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Immunology-Vaccinology, FARAH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Brunette Katsandegwaza
- Laboratory of Parasitology, FARAH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Immunology-Vaccinology, FARAH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Benjamin G Dewals
- Laboratory of Parasitology, FARAH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Immunology-Vaccinology, FARAH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
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2
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Filarial infections compromise influenza vaccination efficacy: Lessons from the mouse. Immunol Lett 2023; 255:62-66. [PMID: 36889363 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.03.001] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Helminth parasites infect more than a quarter of the human population and inflict significant changes to the immunological status of their hosts. Several human studies report impaired responses to vaccinations in helminth-infected individuals. Analysing the impact of helminth infections on the efficacy of influenza vaccinations in the mouse system helps to elucidate the underlying immunological processes. Concurrent infection with the parasitic nematode Litomosoides sigmodontis reduced the quantity and quality of antibody responses to vaccination against seasonal influenza in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. This led to impaired vaccination-induced protection against challenge infections with the human pathogenic 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus in helminth-infected mice. Impaired responses were also observed if vaccinations were performed after immune-driven or drug-induced clearance of a previous helminth infection. Mechanistically, the suppression was associated with a systemic and sustained expansion of IL-10-producing CD4+CD49b+LAG-3+ type 1 regulatory T cells and partially abrogated by in vivo blockade of the IL-10 receptor. In summary, these findings raise the concern that individuals in helminth-endemic areas may not always benefit from vaccinations, even in the absence of an acute and diagnosable helminth infection.
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3
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Pre-existing helminth infection impairs the efficacy of adjuvanted influenza vaccination in mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266456. [PMID: 35358281 PMCID: PMC8970517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The world health organization estimates that more than a quarter of the human population is infected with parasitic worms that are called helminths. Many helminths suppress the immune system of their hosts to prolong their survival. This helminth-induced immunosuppression “spills over” to unrelated antigens and can suppress the immune response to vaccination against other pathogens. Indeed, several human studies have reported a negative correlation between helminth infections and responses to vaccinations. Using mice that are infected with the parasitic nematode Litomosoides sigmodontis as a model for chronic human filarial infections, we reported previously that concurrent helminth infection impaired the vaccination-induced protection against the human pathogenic 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus (2009 pH1N1). Vaccinated, helminth-infected mice produced less neutralizing, influenza-specific antibodies than vaccinated naïve control mice. Consequently helminth-infected and vaccinated mice were not protected against a challenge infection with influenza virus but displayed high virus burden in the lung and a transient weight loss. In the current study we tried to improve the vaccination efficacy using vaccines that are licensed for humans. We either introduced a prime-boost vaccination regimen using the non-adjuvanted anti-influenza vaccine Begripal or employed the adjuvanted influenza vaccine Fluad. Although both strategies elevated the production of influenza-specific antibodies and protected mice from the transient weight loss that is caused by an influenza challenge infection, sterile immunity was not achieved. Helminth-infected vaccinated mice still had high virus burden in the lung while non-helminth-infected vaccinated mice rapidly cleared the virus. In summary we demonstrate that basic improvements of influenza vaccination regimen are not sufficient to confer sterile immunity on the background of helminth-induced immunosuppression, despite amelioration of pathology i.e. weight loss. Our findings highlight the risk of failed vaccinations in helminth-endemic areas, especially in light of the ongoing vaccination campaign to control the COVID-19 pandemic.
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4
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Stetter N, Hartmann W, Brunn ML, Stanelle-Bertram S, Gabriel G, Breloer M. A Combination of Deworming and Prime-Boost Vaccination Regimen Restores Efficacy of Vaccination Against Influenza in Helminth-Infected Mice. Front Immunol 2022; 12:784141. [PMID: 34992602 PMCID: PMC8724120 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.784141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminths still infect a quarter of the human population. They manage to establish chronic infections by downmodulating the immune system of their hosts. Consequently, the immune response of helminth-infected individuals to vaccinations may be impaired as well. Here we study the impact of helminth-induced immunomodulation on vaccination efficacy in the mouse system. We have previously shown that an underlying Litomosoides sigmodontis infection reduced the antibody (Ab) response to anti-influenza vaccination in the context of a systemic expansion of type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1). Most important, vaccine-induced protection from a challenge infection with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus (2009 pH1N1) was impaired in vaccinated, L. sigmodontis-infected mice. Here, we aim at the restoration of vaccination efficacy by drug-induced deworming. Treatment of mice with Flubendazole (FBZ) resulted in elimination of viable L. sigmodontis parasites in the thoracic cavity after two weeks. Simultaneous FBZ-treatment and vaccination did not restore Ab responses or protection in L. sigmodontis-infected mice. Likewise, FBZ-treatment two weeks prior to vaccination did not significantly elevate the influenza-specific Ig response and did not protect mice from a challenge infection with 2009 pH1N1. Analysis of the regulatory T cell compartment revealed that L. sigmodontis-infected and FBZ-treated mice still displayed expanded Tr1 cell populations that may contribute to the sustained suppression of vaccination responses in successfully dewormed mice. To outcompete this sustained immunomodulation in formerly helminth-infected mice, we finally combined the drug-induced deworming with an improved vaccination regimen. Two injections with the non-adjuvanted anti-influenza vaccine Begripal conferred 60% protection while MF59-adjuvanted Fluad conferred 100% protection from a 2009 pH1N1 infection in FBZ-treated, formerly L. sigmodontis-infected mice. Of note, applying this improved prime-boost regimen did not restore protection in untreated L. sigmodontis-infected mice. In summary our findings highlight the risk of failed vaccinations due to helminth infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Stetter
- Section for Molecular Biology and Immunology, Helminth-Immunology Group, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hartmann
- Section for Molecular Biology and Immunology, Helminth-Immunology Group, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Brunn
- Section for Molecular Biology and Immunology, Helminth-Immunology Group, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stanelle-Bertram
- Research Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology Heinrich Pette Institute (HPI), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gülsah Gabriel
- Research Department for Viral Zoonoses - One Health, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology Heinrich Pette Institute (HPI), Hamburg, Germany.,Institute for Virology, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Minka Breloer
- Section for Molecular Biology and Immunology, Helminth-Immunology Group, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,Department for Biology, University Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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5
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Wiszniewsky A, Layland LE, Arndts K, Wadephul LM, Tamadaho RSE, Borrero-Wolff D, Chunda VC, Kien CA, Hoerauf A, Wanji S, Ritter M. Adoptive Transfer of Immune Cells Into RAG2IL-2Rγ-Deficient Mice During Litomosoides sigmodontis Infection: A Novel Approach to Investigate Filarial-Specific Immune Responses. Front Immunol 2021; 12:777860. [PMID: 34868049 PMCID: PMC8636703 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.777860] [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: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite long-term mass drug administration programmes, approximately 220 million people are still infected with filariae in endemic regions. Several research studies have characterized host immune responses but a major obstacle for research on human filariae has been the inability to obtain adult worms which in turn has hindered analysis on infection kinetics and immune signalling. Although the Litomosoides sigmodontis filarial mouse model is well-established, the complex immunological mechanisms associated with filarial control and disease progression remain unclear and translation to human infections is difficult, especially since human filarial infections in rodents are limited. To overcome these obstacles, we performed adoptive immune cell transfer experiments into RAG2IL-2Rγ-deficient C57BL/6 mice. These mice lack T, B and natural killer cells and are susceptible to infection with the human filaria Loa loa. In this study, we revealed a long-term release of L. sigmodontis offspring (microfilariae) in RAG2IL-2Rγ-deficient C57BL/6 mice, which contrasts to C57BL/6 mice which normally eliminate the parasites before patency. We further showed that CD4+ T cells isolated from acute L. sigmodontis-infected C57BL/6 donor mice or mice that already cleared the infection were able to eliminate the parasite and prevent inflammation at the site of infection. In addition, the clearance of the parasites was associated with Th17 polarization of the CD4+ T cells. Consequently, adoptive transfer of immune cell subsets into RAG2IL-2Rγ-deficient C57BL/6 mice will provide an optimal platform to decipher characteristics of distinct immune cells that are crucial for the immunity against rodent and human filarial infections and moreover, might be useful for preclinical research, especially about the efficacy of macrofilaricidal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wiszniewsky
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Laura E Layland
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kathrin Arndts
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Lisa M Wadephul
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Ruth S E Tamadaho
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dennis Borrero-Wolff
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Valerine C Chunda
- Parasite and Vector Biology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Chi Anizette Kien
- Parasite and Vector Biology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany.,German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC), Partner Site Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Samuel Wanji
- Parasite and Vector Biology Research Unit, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Manuel Ritter
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
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Hartmann W, Brunn ML, Stetter N, Gagliani N, Muscate F, Stanelle-Bertram S, Gabriel G, Breloer M. Helminth Infections Suppress the Efficacy of Vaccination against Seasonal Influenza. Cell Rep 2020; 29:2243-2256.e4. [PMID: 31747598 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth parasites infect more than a quarter of the human population and inflict significant changes to the immunological status of their hosts. Here, we analyze the impact of helminth infections on the efficacy of vaccinations using Litomosoides sigmodontis-infected mice. Concurrent helminth infection reduces the quantity and quality of antibody responses to vaccination against seasonal influenza. Vaccination-induced protection against challenge infections with the human pathogenic 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus is drastically impaired in helminth-infected mice. Impaired responses are also observed if vaccinations are performed after clearance of a previous helminth infection, suggesting that individuals in helminth-endemic areas may not always benefit from vaccinations, even in the absence of an acute and diagnosable helminth infection. Mechanistically, the suppression is associated with a systemic and sustained expansion of interleukin (IL)-10-producing CD4+CD49+LAG-3+ type 1 regulatory T cells and partially abrogated by in vivo blockade of the IL-10 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Hartmann
- Section for Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Brunn
- Section for Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Stetter
- Section for Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicola Gagliani
- I Department of Medicine and Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Immunology and Allergy Unit, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Franziska Muscate
- I Department of Medicine and Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stanelle-Bertram
- Research Department for Viral Zoonoses-One Health, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gülsah Gabriel
- Research Department for Viral Zoonoses-One Health, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; Institute for Virology, University for Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Minka Breloer
- Section for Molecular Biology and Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
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7
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Wait LF, Dobson AP, Graham AL. Do parasite infections interfere with immunisation? A review and meta-analysis. Vaccine 2020; 38:5582-5590. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.06.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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8
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Mabbott NA. The Influence of Parasite Infections on Host Immunity to Co-infection With Other Pathogens. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2579. [PMID: 30467504 PMCID: PMC6237250 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites have evolved a wide range of mechanisms that they use to evade or manipulate the host's immune response and establish infection. The majority of the in vivo studies that have investigated these host-parasite interactions have been undertaken in experimental animals, especially rodents, which were housed and maintained to a high microbiological status. However, in the field situation it is increasingly apparent that pathogen co-infections within the same host are a common occurrence. For example, chronic infection with pathogens including malarial parasites, soil-transmitted helminths, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and viruses such as HIV may affect a third of the human population of some developing countries. Increasing evidence shows that co-infection with these pathogens may alter susceptibility to other important pathogens, and/or influence vaccine efficacy through their effects on host immune responsiveness. Co-infection with certain pathogens may also hinder accurate disease diagnosis. This review summarizes our current understanding of how the host's immune response to infection with different types of parasites can influence susceptibility to infection with other pathogenic microorganisms. A greater understanding of how infectious disease susceptibility and pathogenesis can be influenced by parasite co-infections will enhance disease diagnosis and the design of novel vaccines or therapeutics to more effectively control the spread of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil A Mabbott
- The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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9
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Lang R, Schick J. Review: Impact of Helminth Infection on Antimycobacterial Immunity-A Focus on the Macrophage. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1864. [PMID: 29312343 PMCID: PMC5743664 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful immune control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) requires robust CD4+ T cell responses, with IFNγs as the key cytokine promoting killing of intracellular mycobacteria by macrophages. By contrast, helminth infections typically direct the immune system toward a type 2 response, characterized by high levels of the cytokines IL-4 and IL-10, which can antagonize IFNγ production and its biological effects. In many countries with high burden of tuberculosis, helminth infections are endemic and have been associated with increased risk to develop tuberculosis or to inhibit vaccination-induced immunity. Mechanistically, regulation of the antimycobacterial immune response by helminths has been mostly been attributed to the T cell compartment. Here, we review the current status of the literature on the impact of helminths on vaccine-induced and natural immunity to MTB with a focus on the alterations enforced on the capacity of macrophages to function as sensors of mycobacteria and effector cells to control their replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Lang
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Judith Schick
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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10
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Elliott DE, Weinstock JV. Nematodes and human therapeutic trials for inflammatory disease. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [PMID: 27977856 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Helminth infections likely provide a protective influence against some immune-mediated and metabolic diseases because helminth infection dramatically decreased in developed countries shortly before the explosive rise in the prevalence of these diseases. The capacity of helminths to activate immune-regulatory circuits in their hosts and to modulate the composition of intestinal flora appears to be the mechanisms of protective action. Animal models of disease show that various helminth species prevent and/or block inflammation in various organs in a diverse range of diseases. Clinical trials have demonstrated that medicinal exposure to Trichuris suis or small numbers of Necator americanus is safe with minor, if any, reported adverse effects. This includes exposure of inflamed intestine to T. suis, asthmathic lung to N. americanus and in patients with atopy. Efficacy has been suggested in some small studies, but is absent in others. Factors that may have led to inconclusive results in some trials are discussed. To date, there have been no registered clinical trials using helminths to treat metabolic syndrome or its component conditions. However, the excellent safety profile of T. suis or N. americanus suggests that such studies should be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Elliott
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - J V Weinstock
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Dietze KK, Dittmer U, Koudaimi DK, Schimmer S, Reitz M, Breloer M, Hartmann W. Filariae-Retrovirus Co-infection in Mice is Associated with Suppressed Virus-Specific IgG Immune Response and Higher Viral Loads. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005170. [PMID: 27923052 PMCID: PMC5140070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide more than 2 billion people are infected with helminths, predominantly in developing countries. Co-infections with viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are common due to the geographical overlap of these pathogens. Helminth and viral infections induce antagonistic cytokine responses in their hosts. Helminths shift the immune system to a type 2-dominated immune response, while viral infections skew the cytokine response towards a type 1 immune response. Moreover, chronic helminth infections are often associated with a generalized suppression of the immune system leading to prolonged parasite survival, and also to a reduced defence against unrelated pathogens. To test whether helminths affect the outcome of a viral infection we set up a filarial/retrovirus co-infection model in C57BL/6 mice. Although Friend virus (FV) infection altered the L. sigmodontis-specific immunoglobulin response towards a type I associated IgG2 isotype in co-infected mice, control of L. sigmodontis infection was not affected by a FV-superinfection. However, reciprocal control of FV infection was clearly impaired by concurrent L. sigmodontis infection. Spleen weight as an indicator of pathology and viral loads in spleen, lymph nodes (LN) and bone marrow (BM) were increased in L. sigmodontis/FV-co-infected mice compared to only FV-infected mice. Numbers of FV-specific CD8+ T cells as well as cytokine production by CD4+ and CD8+ cells were alike in co-infected and FV-infected mice. Increased viral loads in co-infected mice were associated with reduced titres of neutralising FV-specific IgG2b and IgG2c antibodies. In summary our findings suggest that helminth infection interfered with the control of retroviral infection by dampening the virus-specific neutralising antibody response. The coincidental infection of a host with two different pathogens is widespread in low-income countries. Regions where helminth infections are endemic strongly overlap with areas where the incidence of viral infections such as HIV is high. HIV is a major public health issue causing more than 1 million deaths per year. To analyse the impact of a pre-existing helminth infection on a viral infection we established a helminth/retrovirus co-infection mouse model. Mice that were first infected with Litomosoides sigmodontis and subsequently with a murine retrovirus showed a more severe course of virus infection, i.e. exaggerated splenomegaly and higher viral loads. Since different lymphocytes such as B and T cells contribute to viral control we analysed the cellular and humoral immune response. While T cell responses were similar in co-infected and virus-infected mice, we observed reduced titres of virus-specific antibodies in co-infected mice. Our results suggest that helminth infection interfered with viral control by dampening the virus-specific antibody response. The viral infection itself altered the humoral immune response against L. sigmodontis without changing the worm burden. In summary, our data highlight the importance of deworming programs or vaccines against helminths in developing countries where the incidence of helminth/HIV co-infections is high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Katrin Dietze
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel Karim Koudaimi
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Simone Schimmer
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martina Reitz
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Minka Breloer
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hartmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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12
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Santiago HC, Nutman TB. Human Helminths and Allergic Disease: The Hygiene Hypothesis and Beyond. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:746-753. [PMID: 27573628 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There is much debate about the interaction between helminths and allergic disease. The "Hygiene Hypothesis," a very popular concept among scientists and the lay public, states that infections, especially during childhood, can protect against allergic diseases. Indeed, helminth infections are known to induce regulatory responses in the host that can help the control of inflammation (including allergic inflammation). However, these infections also induce type-2-associated immune responses including helminth-specific IgE that can cross-react against environmental allergens and mediate IgE-driven effector responses. Thus, it is the delicate balance between the parasites' anti- and pro-allergenic effects that define the helminth/allergy interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helton C Santiago
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Thomas B Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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13
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Abstract
The human pathogenic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis infects approximately 30-100 million people worldwide. Analysis of the adaptive immune response to S. stercoralis beyond descriptive studies is challenging, as no murine model for the complete infection cycle is available. However, the combined employment of different models each capable of modelling some features of S. stercoralis life cycle and pathology has advanced our understanding of the immunological mechanisms involved in host defence. Here we review: (i) studies using S. stercoralis third stage larvae implanted in diffusion chambers in the subcutaneous tissue of mice that allow analysis of the immune response to the human pathogenic Strongyloides species; (ii) studies using Strongyloides ratti and Strongyloides venezuelensis that infect mice and rats to extend the analysis to the parasites intestinal life stage and (iii) studies using S. stercoralis infected gerbils to analyse the hyperinfection syndrome, a severe complication of human strongyloidiasis that is not induced by rodent specific Strongyloides spp. We provide an overview of the information accumulated so far showing that Strongyloides spp. elicits a classical Th2 response that culminates in different, site specific, effector functions leading to either entrapment and killing of larvae in the tissues or expulsion of parasitic adults from the intestine.
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14
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Russell SB, Smith JC, Huang M, Trupin JS, Williams SM. Pleiotropic Effects of Immune Responses Explain Variation in the Prevalence of Fibroproliferative Diseases. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005568. [PMID: 26540410 PMCID: PMC4634921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many diseases are differentially distributed among human populations. Differential selection on genetic variants in ancestral environments that coincidentally predispose to disease can be an underlying cause of these unequal prevalence patterns. Selected genes may be pleiotropic, affecting multiple phenotypes and resulting in more than one disease or trait. Patterns of pleiotropy may be helpful in understanding the underlying causes of an array of conditions in a population. For example, several fibroproliferative diseases are more prevalent and severe in populations of sub-Saharan ancestry. We propose that this disparity is due to selection for an enhanced Th2 response that confers resistance to helminthic infections, and concurrently increases susceptibility to fibrosis due to the profibrotic action of Th2 cytokines. Many studies on selection of Th2-related genes for host resistance to helminths have been reported, but the pleiotropic impact of this selection on the distribution of fibrotic disorders has not been explicitly investigated. We discuss the disproportionate occurrence of fibroproliferative diseases in individuals of African ancestry and provide evidence that adaptation of the immune system has shaped the genetic structure of these human populations in ways that alter the distribution of multiple fibroproliferative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley B. Russell
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SBR); , (SMW)
| | - Joan C. Smith
- Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Minjun Huang
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Joel S. Trupin
- Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Scott M. Williams
- Department of Genetics, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SBR); , (SMW)
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15
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Hartmann W, Schramm C, Breloer M. Litomosoides sigmodontis induces TGF-β receptor responsive, IL-10-producing T cells that suppress bystander T-cell proliferation in mice. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:2568-81. [PMID: 26138667 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201545503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Helminth parasites suppress immune responses to prolong their survival within the mammalian host. Thereby not only helminth-specific but also nonhelminth-specific bystander immune responses are suppressed. Here, we use the murine model of Litomosoides sigmodontis infection to elucidate the underlying mechanisms leading to this bystander T-cell suppression. When OT-II T cells specific for the third-party antigen ovalbumin are transferred into helminth-infected mice, these cells respond to antigen-specific stimulation with reduced proliferation compared to activation within non-infected mice. Thus, the presence of parasitic worms in the thoracic cavity translates to suppression of T cells with a different specificity at a different site. By eliminating regulatory receptors, cytokines, and cell populations from this system, we provide evidence for a two-staged process. Parasite products first engage the TGF-β receptor on host-derived T cells that are central to suppression. In a second step, host-derived T cells produce IL-10 and subsequently suppress the adoptively transferred OT-II T cells. Terminal suppression was IL-10-dependant but independent of intrinsic TGF-β receptor- or PD-1-mediated signaling in the suppressed OT-II T cells. Blockade of the same key suppression mediators, i.e. TGF-β- and IL-10 receptor, also ameliorated the suppression of IgG response to bystander antigen vaccination in L. sigmodontis-infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Hartmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Minka Breloer
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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16
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Protein kinase CK2 enables regulatory T cells to suppress excessive TH2 responses in vivo. Nat Immunol 2015; 16:267-75. [PMID: 25599562 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The quality of the adaptive immune response depends on the differentiation of distinct CD4(+) helper T cell subsets, and the magnitude of an immune response is controlled by CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells). However, how a tissue- and cell type-specific suppressor program of Treg cells is mechanistically orchestrated has remained largely unexplored. Through the use of Treg cell-specific gene targeting, we found that the suppression of allergic immune responses in the lungs mediated by T helper type 2 (TH2) cells was dependent on the activity of the protein kinase CK2. Genetic ablation of the β-subunit of CK2 specifically in Treg cells resulted in the proliferation of a hitherto-unexplored ILT3(+) Treg cell subpopulation that was unable to control the maturation of IRF4(+)PD-L2(+) dendritic cells required for the development of TH2 responses in vivo.
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17
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Weinstock JV, Elliott DE. Helminth infections decrease host susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:3239-47. [PMID: 25240019 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1400927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Helminthic infection has become rare in highly industrialized nations. Concurrent with the decline in helminthic infection has been an increase in the prevalence of inflammatory disease. Removal of helminths from our environment and their powerful effects on host immunity may have contributed to this increase. Several helminth species can abrogate disease in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. Helminths evoke immune regulatory pathways often involving dendritic cells, regulatory T cells, and macrophages that help to control disease. Cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β, have a role. Notable is the helminthic modulatory effect on innate immunity, which impedes development of aberrant adaptive immunity. Investigators are identifying key helminth-derived immune modulatory molecules that may have therapeutic usefulness in the control of inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel V Weinstock
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111; and
| | - David E Elliott
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
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18
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Haben I, Hartmann W, Breloer M. Nematode-induced interference with vaccination efficacy targets follicular T helper cell induction and is preserved after termination of infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3170. [PMID: 25255463 PMCID: PMC4177885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One-third of the human population is infected with parasitic worms. To avoid being eliminated, these parasites actively dampen the immune response of their hosts. This immune modulation also suppresses immune responses to third-party antigens such as vaccines. Here, we used Litomosoides sigmodontis-infected BALB/c mice to analyse nematode-induced interference with vaccination. Chronic nematode infection led to complete suppression of the humoral response to thymus-dependent vaccination. Thereby the numbers of antigen-specific B cells as well as the serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G titres were reduced. TH2-associated IgG1 and TH1-associated IgG2 responses were both suppressed. Thus, nematode infection did not bias responses towards a TH2 response, but interfered with Ig responses in general. We provide evidence that this suppression indirectly targeted B cells via accessory T cells as number and frequency of vaccine-induced follicular B helper T cells were reduced. Moreover, vaccination using model antigens that stimulate Ig response independently of T helper cells was functional in nematode-infected mice. Using depletion experiments, we show that CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells did not mediate the suppression of Ig response during chronic nematode infection. Suppression was induced by fourth stage larvae, immature adults and mature adults, and increased with the duration of the infection. By contrast, isolated microfilariae increased IgG2a responses to vaccination. This pro-inflammatory effect of microfilariae was overruled by the simultaneous presence of adults. Strikingly, a reduced humoral response was still observed if vaccination was performed more than 16 weeks after termination of L. sigmodontis infection. In summary, our results suggest that vaccination may not only fail in helminth-infected individuals, but also in individuals with a history of previous helminth infections. Parasitic worms, called helminths, infect one-third of the world population. Despite exposure to their host's immune system many helminths establish chronic infections and survive several years within their host. They avoid elimination by dampening the immune response of their hosts. This immune suppression also affects immune responses to third-party antigens such as vaccines. Indeed, accumulating evidence suggests that helminth-infected humans display impaired responses to vaccination. Thus, anthelminthic treatment before vaccination is discussed. Here, we use helminth-infected mice to analyse kinetics and mechanism of helminth-induced interference with vaccination efficacy more precisely. We show that chronic helminth infection completely suppressed antibody responses to a model vaccine. Thereby helminths suppressed the antibody-producing B cells indirectly via suppression of accessory T helper cells. The suppression was more pronounced at later time points of infection and still observed in mice that had terminated the helminth infection for more than 16 weeks. In summary, our results suggest that vaccination may not only fail in helminth-infected individuals, but also in individuals with a history of previous helminth infections. Thus, our report highlights the importance to develop vaccination strategies that are functional despite concurrent helminth infection rather than deworming humans before vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Haben
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hartmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Minka Breloer
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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19
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Mishra PK, Palma M, Bleich D, Loke P, Gause WC. Systemic impact of intestinal helminth infections. Mucosal Immunol 2014; 7:753-62. [PMID: 24736234 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2014.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we examine the evidence that intestinal helminths can control harmful inflammatory responses and promote homeostasis by triggering systemic immune responses. Induction of separable components of immunity by helminths, which includes type 2 and immune regulatory responses, can both contribute toward the reduction in harmful type 1 immune responses that drive certain inflammatory diseases. Despite inducing type 2 responses, intestinal helminths may also downregulate harmful type 2 immune responses including allergic responses. We consider the possibility that intestinal helminth infection may indirectly affect inflammation by influencing the composition of the intestinal microbiome. Taken together, the studies reviewed herein suggest that intestinal helminth-induced responses have potent systemic effects on the immune system, raising the possibility that whole parasites or specific molecules produced by these metazoans may be an important resource for the development of future immunotherapies to control inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- P K Mishra
- 1] Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA [2] Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - M Palma
- 1] Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA [2] Department of Orthopaedics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - D Bleich
- Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - P Loke
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - W C Gause
- 1] Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA [2] Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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20
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Karadjian G, Berrebi D, Dogna N, Vallarino-Lhermitte N, Bain O, Landau I, Martin C. Co-infection restrains Litomosoides sigmodontis filarial load and plasmodial P. yoelii but not P. chabaudi parasitaemia in mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:16. [PMID: 24717449 PMCID: PMC3980669 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Infection with multiple parasite species is clearly the norm rather than the exception, in animals as well as in humans. Filarial nematodes and Plasmodium spp. are important parasites in human public health and they are often co-endemic. Interactions between these parasites are complex. The mechanisms underlying the modulation of both the course of malaria and the outcome of filarial infection are poorly understood. Despite increasing activity in recent years, studies comparing co- and mono-infections are very much in their infancy and results are contradictory at first sight. In this study we performed controlled and simultaneous co-infections of BALB/c mice with Litomosoides sigmodontis filaria and with Plasmodium spp. (Plasmodium yoelii 17 XNL or Plasmodium chabaudi 864VD). An analysis of pathological lesions in the kidneys and lungs and a parasitological study were conducted at different times of infection. Whatever the plasmodial species, the filarial recovery rate was strongly decreased. The peak of parasitaemia in the plasmodial infection was decreased in the course of P. yoelii infection but not in that of P. chabaudi. Regarding pathological lesions, L. sigmodontis can reverse lesions in the kidneys due to the presence of both Plasmodium species but does not modify the course of pulmonary lesions. The filarial infection induces granulomas in the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Karadjian
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 61 rue Buffon, CP 52, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Dominique Berrebi
- Service d'Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologique, Paris, Hôpital Robert Debré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris France, and EA3102, Université Paris 7, France
| | - Nathalie Dogna
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 61 rue Buffon, CP 52, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Nathaly Vallarino-Lhermitte
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 61 rue Buffon, CP 52, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Odile Bain
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 61 rue Buffon, CP 52, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Irène Landau
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 61 rue Buffon, CP 52, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Coralie Martin
- UMR 7245 MCAM MNHN CNRS, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 61 rue Buffon, CP 52, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
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21
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Salgame P, Yap GS, Gause WC. Effect of helminth-induced immunity on infections with microbial pathogens. Nat Immunol 2013; 14:1118-1126. [PMID: 24145791 DOI: 10.1038/ni.2736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Helminth infections are ubiquitous worldwide and can trigger potent immune responses that differ from and potentially antagonize host protective responses to microbial pathogens. In this Review we focus on the three main killers in infectious disease-AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria-and critically assesses whether helminths adversely influence host control of these diseases. We also discuss emerging concepts for how M2 macrophages and helminth-modulated dendritic cells can potentially influence the protective immune response to concurrent infections. Finally, we present evidence advocating for more efforts to determine how and to what extent helminths interfere with the successful control of specific concurrent coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padmini Salgame
- Department of Medicine, Center for Emerging Pathogens, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - George S Yap
- Department of Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - William C Gause
- Department of Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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22
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Schabussova I, Ul-Haq O, Hoflehner E, Akgün J, Wagner A, Loupal G, Joachim A, Ruttkowski B, Maizels RM, Wiedermann U. Oesophagostomum dentatum extract modulates T cell-dependent immune responses to bystander antigens and prevents the development of allergy in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67544. [PMID: 23844022 PMCID: PMC3699627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
One third of the human population is currently infected by one or more species of parasitic helminths. Certain helminths establish long-term chronic infections resulting in a modulation of the host’s immune system with attenuated responsiveness to “bystander” antigens such as allergens or vaccines. In this study we investigated whether parasite-derived products suppress the development of allergic inflammation in a mouse model. We show that extract derived from adult male Oesophagostomum dentatum (eMOD) induced Th2 and regulatory responses in BALB/c mice. Stimulation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells induced production of regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta. In a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, co-administration of eMOD with sensitizing allergen Bet v 1 markedly reduced the production of allergen-specific antibodies in serum as well as IgE-dependent basophil degranulation. Furthermore, eMOD prevented the development of airway inflammation, as demonstrated by attenuation of bronchoalveolar lavages eosinophil influx, peribronchial inflammatory infiltrate, and mucus secretion in lungs and IL-4 and IL-5 levels in lung cell cultures. Reduced secretion of Th2-related cytokines by birch pollen-re-stimulated splenocytes and mesenteric lymph node cells was observed in eMOD-treated/sensitized and challenged mice in comparison to sensitized and challenged controls. The suppressive effects of eMOD were heat-stable. Immunization with model antigens in the presence of eMOD reduced production of antibodies to thymus-dependent but not to thymus-independent antigen, suggesting that suppression of the immune responses by eMOD was mediated by interference with antigen presenting cell or T helper cell function but did not directly suppress B cell function. In conclusion, we have shown that eMOD possesses immunomodulatory properties and that heat-stable factors in eMOD are responsible for the dramatic suppression of allergic responses in a mouse model of type I allergy. The identification and characterization of parasite-derived immune-modulating molecules might have potential for designing novel prophylactic/therapeutic strategies for immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Schabussova
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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23
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Nematode-derived proteins suppress proliferation and cytokine production of antigen-specific T cells via induction of cell death. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68380. [PMID: 23861729 PMCID: PMC3693813 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to establish long-lasting infections in their mammalian host, filarial
nematodes have developed sophisticated strategies to dampen their host’s immune
response. Proteins that are actively secreted by the parasites have been shown
to induce the expansion of regulatory T cells and to directly interfere with
effector T cell function. Here, we analyze the suppressive capacity of
Onchocercavolvulus-derived excreted/secreted
proteins. Addition of two recombinant O. volvulus proteins, abundant larval
transcript-2 (OvALT-2) and novel larval transcript-1
(OvNLT-1) to cell cultures of T cell receptor transgenic
CD4+ and CD8+ T cells suppressed antigen-specific
stimulation in vitro. Ovalbumin-specific CD4+
DO11.10 and OT-II T cells that had been stimulated with their cognate antigen in
the presence of OvALT-2 or OvNLT-1 displayed
reduced DNA synthesis quantified by 3H-thymidine incorporation and
reduced cell division quantified by CFSE dilution. Furthermore, the IL-2 and
IFN-γ response of ovalbumin-specific CD8+ OT-I T cells was suppressed
by OvALT-2 and OvNLT-1. In contrast, another
recombinant O.
volvulus protein,
microfilariae surface-associated antigen (Ov103), did not
modulate T cell activation, thus serving as internal control for
non-ESP-mediated artifacts. Suppressive capacity of the identified ESP was
associated with induction of apoptosis in T cells demonstrated by increased
exposure of phosphatidylserine on the plasma membrane. Of note, the digestion of
recombinant proteins with proteinase K did not abolish the suppression of
antigen-specific proliferation although the suppressive capacity of the
identified excreted/secreted products was not mediated by low molecular weight
contaminants in the undigested preparations. In summary, we identified two
suppressive excreted/secreted products from O. volvulus, which interfere with the
function of antigen-specific T cells in vitro.
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24
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Haben I, Hartmann W, Specht S, Hoerauf A, Roers A, Müller W, Breloer M. T-cell-derived, but not B-cell-derived, IL-10 suppresses antigen-specific T-cell responses in Litomosoides sigmodontis-infected mice. Eur J Immunol 2013; 43:1799-805. [PMID: 23529858 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201242929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
IL-10, a cytokine with pleiotropic functions is produced by many different cells. Although IL-10 may be crucial for initiating protective Th2 responses to helminth infection, it may also function as a suppressive cytokine preventing immune pathology or even contributing to helminth-induced immune evasion. Here, we show that B cells and T cells produce IL-10 during murine Litomosoides sigmodontis infection. IL-10-deficient mice produced increased amounts of L. sigmodontis-specific IFN-γ and IL-13 suggesting a suppressive role for IL-10 in the initiation of the T-cell response to infection. Using cell type-specific IL-10-deficient mice, we dissected different functions of T-cell- and B-cell-derived IL-10. Litomosoides sigmodontis-specific IFN-γ, IL-5, and IL-13 production increased in the absence of T-cell-derived IL-10 at early and late time points of infection. In contrast, B-cell-specific IL-10 deficiency did not lead to significant changes in L. sigmodontis-specific cytokine production compared to WT mice. Our results suggest that the initiation of Ag-specific cellular responses during L. sigmodontis infection is suppressed by T-cell-derived IL-10 and not by B-cell-derived IL-10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Haben
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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25
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Abstract
Modern hygienic lifestyles are associated with the emergence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which now afflicts millions of people in highly-developed countries. Meticulous hygiene interrupts conduits of transmission required for ubiquitous exposure to parasitic worms (helminths). We proposed that loss of exposure to helminths permits development of IBD. Early clinical trials suggested that exposure to helminths such as Trichuris suis or Necator americanus can improve IBD. Over the last several years, processes to "medicinalize"T. suis have been developed and use of this helminth is now being studied in large multi-center clinical trials. Concurrently, we and others have identified some of the immune regulatory mechanisms elicited by helminth exposure that suppress inappropriate intestinal inflammation. These efforts could soon result in new therapies for patients with IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel V Weinstock
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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26
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Kolbaum J, Tartz S, Hartmann W, Helm S, Nagel A, Heussler V, Sebo P, Fleischer B, Jacobs T, Breloer M. Nematode-induced interference with the anti-Plasmodium CD8+ T-cell response can be overcome by optimizing antigen administration. Eur J Immunol 2012; 42:890-900. [PMID: 22161305 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201141955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is still responsible for up to 1 million deaths per year worldwide, highlighting the need for protective malaria vaccines. Helminth infections that are prevalent in malaria endemic areas can modulate immune responses of the host. Here we show that Strongy-Ioides ratti, a gut-dwelling nematode that causes transient infections, did not change the efficacy of vaccination against Plasmodium berghei. An ongoing infection with Litomosoides sigmodontis, a tissue-dwelling filaria that induces chronic infections in BALB/c mice, significantly interfered with vaccination efficacy. The induction of P. berghei circumspor-ozoite protein (CSP)-specific CD8(+) T cells, achieved by a single immunization with a CSP fusion protein, was diminished in L. sigmodontis-infected mice. This modulation was reflected by reduced frequencies of CSP-specific CD8(+) T cells, reduced CSP-specific IFN-y and TNF-a production, reduced CSP-specific cytotoxicity, and reduced protection against P. berghei challenge infection. Implementation of a more potent vaccine regime, by first priming with CSP-expressing recombinant live Salmonella prior to CSP fusion protein immunization, restored induction of CSP-specific CD8(+) T cells and conferred almost sterile immunity to P. berghei challenge infection also in L. sigmodontis-infected mice. In summary, we show that appropriate vaccination regimes can overcome helminth-induced interference with vaccination efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kolbaum
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
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