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Wrońska AK, Kaczmarek A, Boguś MI, Kuna A. Lipids as a key element of insect defense systems. Front Genet 2023; 14:1183659. [PMID: 37359377 PMCID: PMC10289264 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1183659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between insect pathogenic fungi and their insect hosts is a classic example of a co-evolutionary arms race between pathogen and target host: parasites evolve towards mechanisms that increase their advantage over the host, and the host increasingly strengthens its defenses. The present review summarizes the literature data describing the direct and indirect role of lipids as an important defense mechanism during fungal infection. Insect defense mechanisms comprise anatomical and physiological barriers, and cellular and humoral response mechanisms. The entomopathogenic fungi have the unique ability to digest the insect cuticle by producing hydrolytic enzymes with chitin-, lipo- and proteolytic activity; besides the oral tract, cuticle pays the way for fungal entry within the host. The key factor in insect resistance to fungal infection is the presence of certain types of lipids (free fatty acids, waxes or hydrocarbons) which can promote or inhibit fungal attachment to cuticle, and might also have antifungal activity. Lipids are considered as an important source of energy, and as triglycerides are stored in the fat body, a structure analogous to the liver and adipose tissue in vertebrates. In addition, the fat body plays a key role in innate humoral immunity by producing a range of bactericidal proteins and polypeptides, one of which is lysozyme. Energy derived from lipid metabolism is used by hemocytes to migrate to the site of fungal infection, and for phagocytosis, nodulation and encapsulation. One polyunsaturated fatty acid, arachidonic acid, is used in the synthesis of eicosanoids, which play several crucial roles in insect physiology and immunology. Apolipoprotein III is important compound with antifungal activity, which can modulate insect cellular response and is considered as important signal molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Katarzyna Wrońska
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science, Warszawa, Poland
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Kaczmarek
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science, Warszawa, Poland
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mieczysława Irena Boguś
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science, Warszawa, Poland
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Kuna
- Independent Researcher, Warsaw, Poland
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2
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Wright CL, Kavanagh O. Galleria mellonella as a Novel In Vivo Model to Screen Natural Product-Derived Modulators of Innate Immunity. Applied Sciences 2022; 12:6587. [DOI: 10.3390/app12136587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunomodulators are drugs that either stimulate or suppress the immune system in response to an immunopathological disease or cancer. The majority of clinically approved immunomodulators are either chemically synthesised (e.g., dexamethasone) or protein-based (e.g., monoclonal antibodies), whose uses are limited due to toxicity issues, poor bioavailability, or prohibitive cost. Nature is an excellent source of novel compounds, as it is estimated that almost half of all licenced medicines are derived from nature or inspired by natural product (NP) structures. The clinical success of the fungal-derived immunosuppressant cyclosporin A demonstrates the potential of natural products as immunomodulators. Conventionally, the screening of NP molecules for immunomodulation is performed in small animal models; however, there is a growing impetus to replace animal models with more ethical alternatives. One novel approach is the use of Galleria melonella larvae as an in vivo model of immunity. Despite lacking adaptive antigen-specific immunity, this insect possesses an innate immune system comparable to mammals. In this review, we will describe studies that have used this alternative in vivo model to assess the immunomodulating activity of synthetic and NP-derived compounds, outline the array of bioassays employed, and suggest strategies to enhance the use of this model in future research.
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Duman Erbaş E, Gwokyalya R, Altuntaş H, Kutrup B. Screening the immunotoxicity of different food preservative agents on the model organism Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. Drug Chem Toxicol 2022:1-11. [PMID: 35758106 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2022.2091589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Immunotoxic effects of sodium benzoate (SB, E211), sodium nitrate (SNa, E251), and sodium nitrite (SNi, E250), a few of the most common food preservatives, on the model organism Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae were investigated in this study. The last instar larvae were used for all experimental analyses. For this purpose, median lethal doses of SB, SNa, and SNi were applied to the larvae by the force-feeding method. We found that force-feeding G. mellonella larvae with SB, SNa, and SNi significantly reduced the larval total hemocyte counts, prohemocyte, and granulocyte ratios but increased plasmatocyte, spherulocyte, and oenocyte ratios, as well as the hemocyte mitotic indices and micronucleus frequency. The spreading ability of hemocytes and hemocyte-mediated immune responses were lower in the SB, SNa-, and SNi-treated larval groups compared to controls. Apoptotic indices were higher in all larval groups treated with food preservatives, but increments in necrotic indices were only significantly higher in SNi-treated larvae compared to controls. Our research shows that SB, SNa, and SNi have immunotoxic and cytotoxic potential on G. mellonella larvae. Thus, we suggest that G. mellonella larvae can be used as preliminary in vivo models to screen the immunotoxic effects of food preservative agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Duman Erbaş
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Rehemah Gwokyalya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hülya Altuntaş
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskisehir Technical University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Bilal Kutrup
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
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Bárria C, Mil-homens D, Pinto SN, Fialho AM, Arraiano CM, Domingues S. RNase R, a New Virulence Determinant of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Microorganisms 2022; 10:317. [PMID: 35208772 PMCID: PMC8875335 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumococcal infections have increasingly high mortality rates despite the availability of vaccines and antibiotics. Therefore, the identification of new virulence determinants and the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind pathogenesis have become of paramount importance in the search of new targets for drug development. The exoribonuclease RNase R has been involved in virulence in a growing number of pathogens. In this work, we used Galleria mellonella as an infection model to demonstrate that the presence of RNase R increases the pneumococcus virulence. Larvae infected with the RNase R mutant show an increased expression level of antimicrobial peptides. Furthermore, they have a lower bacterial load in the hemolymph in the later stages of infection, leading to a higher survival rate of the larvae. Interestingly, pneumococci expressing RNase R show a sudden drop in bacterial numbers immediately after infection, resembling the eclipse phase observed after intravenous inoculation in mice. Concomitantly, we observed a lower number of mutant bacteria inside larval hemocytes and a higher susceptibility to oxidative stress when compared to the wild type. Together, our results indicate that RNase R is involved in the ability of pneumococci to evade the host immune response, probably by interfering with internalization and/or replication inside the larval hemocytes.
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Wasselin V, Staerck C, Rincé I, Léger L, Budin-Verneuil A, Hartke A, Benachour A, Riboulet-Bisson E. Characterisation of the manganese superoxide dismutase of Enterococcus faecium. Res Microbiol 2021; 172:103876. [PMID: 34474124 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2021.103876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The manganese superoxide dismutase (SodA) of E. faecium strain AUS0004 has been characterised. It is most closely related to Enterococcus hirae, Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus villorium, and Enterococcus mundtii with 100%, 91,55%, 90,85%, and 90,58% homology, respectively, but more distant from SodA of E. faecalis (81.68%). A sodA deletion mutant has been constructed. Compared to the parental strain, the ΔsodA mutant was affected in aerobic growth and more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), cumene hydroperoxide (CuOOH), and the superoxide anion (O2•-) generator menadione. The E. faecium strain AUS0004 is part of those bacteria accumulating H2O2 to high concentrations (around 5 mM) starting from late exponential growth phase. Accumulation of the peroxide was around 25% less in the mutant suggesting that this part of H2O2 is due to the dismutation of O2•- by SodA. The sodA gene of E. faecium AUS0004 was induced by oxygen, peroxides and menadione but the corresponding regulator remains hitherto unknown. Finally, we showed that SodA activity is important for virulence in the Galleria mellonella model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Wasselin
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN U2RM-Stress and Virulence, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France.
| | - Cindy Staerck
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN U2RM-Stress and Virulence, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France.
| | - Isabelle Rincé
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN U2RM-Stress and Virulence, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France.
| | - Loïc Léger
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN U2RM-Stress and Virulence, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France.
| | - Aurélie Budin-Verneuil
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN U2RM-Stress and Virulence, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France.
| | - Axel Hartke
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN U2RM-Stress and Virulence, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France.
| | - Abdellah Benachour
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN U2RM-Stress and Virulence, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France.
| | - Eliette Riboulet-Bisson
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN U2RM-Stress and Virulence, Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen, France.
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Abstract
The cellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) represents an evolutionary ancient antimicrobial defense system against microorganisms. The NADPH oxidases (NOX), which are predominantly localized to endosomes, and the electron transport chain in mitochondria are the major sources of ROS. Like any powerful immunological process, ROS formation has costs, in particular collateral tissue damage of the host. Moreover, microorganisms have developed defense mechanisms against ROS, an example for an arms race between species. Thus, although NOX orthologs have been identified in organisms as diverse as plants, fruit flies, rodents, and humans, ROS functions have developed and diversified to affect a multitude of cellular properties, i.e., far beyond direct antimicrobial activity. Here, we focus on the development of NOX in phagocytic cells, where the so-called respiratory burst in phagolysosomes contributes to the elimination of ingested microorganisms. Yet, NOX participates in cellular signaling in a cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic manner, e.g., via the release of ROS into the extracellular space. Accordingly, in humans, the inherited deficiency of NOX components is characterized by infections with bacteria and fungi and a seemingly independently dysregulated inflammatory response. Since ROS have both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, their tight regulation in space and time is required for an efficient and well-balanced immune response, which allows for the reestablishment of tissue homeostasis. In addition, distinct NOX homologs expressed by non-phagocytic cells and mitochondrial ROS are interlinked with phagocytic NOX functions and thus affect the overall redox state of the tissue and the cellular activity in a complex fashion. Overall, the systematic and comparative analysis of cellular ROS functions in organisms of lower complexity provides clues for understanding the contribution of ROS and ROS deficiency to human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Mansoori Moghadam
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Henneke
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Kolter
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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F. Q. Smith D, Casadevall A. Fungal immunity and pathogenesis in mammals versus the invertebrate model organism Galleria mellonella. Pathog Dis 2021; 79:ftab013. [PMID: 33544836 PMCID: PMC7981337 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) have emerged as a model system to explore experimental aspects of fungal pathogenesis. The benefits of the G. mellonella model include being faster, cheaper, higher throughput and easier compared with vertebrate models. Additionally, as invertebrates, their use is subject to fewer ethical and regulatory issues. However, for G. mellonella models to provide meaningful insight into fungal pathogenesis, the G. mellonella-fungal interactions must be comparable to mammalian-fungal interactions. Indeed, as discussed in the review, studies suggest that G. mellonella and mammalian immune systems share many similarities, and fungal virulence factors show conserved functions in both hosts. While the moth model has opened novel research areas, many comparisons are superficial and leave large gaps of knowledge that need to be addressed concerning specific mechanisms underlying G. mellonella-fungal interactions. Closing these gaps in understanding will strengthen G. mellonella as a model for fungal virulence in the upcoming years. In this review, we provide comprehensive comparisons between fungal pathogenesis in mammals and G. mellonella from immunological and virulence perspectives. When information on an antifungal immune component is unknown in G. mellonella, we include findings from other well-studied Lepidoptera. We hope that by outlining this information available in related species, we highlight areas of needed research and provide a framework for understanding G. mellonella immunity and fungal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F. Q. Smith
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Yu Y, Wolf AK, Thusek S, Heinekamp T, Bromley M, Krappmann S, Terpitz U, Voigt K, Brakhage AA, Beilhack A. Direct Visualization of Fungal Burden in Filamentous Fungus-Infected Silkworms. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020136. [PMID: 33668495 PMCID: PMC7918154 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are difficult to diagnose and to treat and, despite several available antifungal drugs, cause high mortality rates. In the past decades, the incidence of IFIs has continuously increased. More recently, SARS-CoV-2-associated lethal IFIs have been reported worldwide in critically ill patients. Combating IFIs requires a more profound understanding of fungal pathogenicity to facilitate the development of novel antifungal strategies. Animal models are indispensable for studying fungal infections and to develop new antifungals. However, using mammalian animal models faces various hurdles including ethical issues and high costs, which makes large-scale infection experiments extremely challenging. To overcome these limitations, we optimized an invertebrate model and introduced a simple calcofluor white (CW) staining protocol to macroscopically and microscopically monitor disease progression in silkworms (Bombyx mori) infected with the human pathogenic filamentous fungi Aspergillus fumigatus and Lichtheimia corymbifera. This advanced silkworm A. fumigatus infection model could validate knockout mutants with either attenuated, strongly attenuated or unchanged virulence. Finally, CW staining allowed us to efficiently visualize antifungal treatment outcomes in infected silkworms. Conclusively, we here present a powerful animal model combined with a straightforward staining protocol to expedite large-scale in vivo research of fungal pathogenicity and to investigate novel antifungal candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Yu
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (S.T.)
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (A.B.)
| | - Ann-Katrin Wolf
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (S.T.)
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sina Thusek
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (S.T.)
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Heinekamp
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany; (T.H.); (A.A.B.)
| | - Michael Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Sven Krappmann
- Institute for Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Erlangen University Hospital, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Erlangen Center of Infection Research, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Terpitz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Kerstin Voigt
- Jena Microbial Resource Collection, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany;
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A. Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany; (T.H.); (A.A.B.)
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Beilhack
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine II, Würzburg University Hospital, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (A.-K.W.); (S.T.)
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (A.B.)
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Piatek M, Sheehan G, Kavanagh K. UtilisingGalleria mellonella larvae for studying in vivo activity of conventional and novel antimicrobial agents. Pathog Dis 2020; 78:5917982. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftaa059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACTThe immune response of insects displays many structural and functional similarities to the innate immune response of mammals. As a result of these conserved features, insects may be used for evaluating microbial virulence or for testing the in vivo efficacy and toxicity of antimicrobial compounds and results show strong similarities to those from mammals. Galleria mellonella larvae are widely used in this capacity and have the advantage of being easy to use, inexpensive to purchase and house, and being free from the ethical and legal restrictions that relate to the use of mammals in these tests. Galleria mellonella larvae may be used to assess the in vivo toxicity and efficacy of novel antimicrobial compounds. A wide range of antibacterial and antifungal therapies have been evaluated in G. mellonella larvae and results have informed subsequent experiments in mammals. While insect larvae are a convenient and reproducible model to use, care must be taken in their use to ensure accuracy of results. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive account of the use of G. mellonella larvae for assessing the in vivo toxicity and efficacy of a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Piatek
- SSPC Pharma Research Centre, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare W23 F2H6, Ireland
| | - Gerard Sheehan
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- SSPC Pharma Research Centre, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare W23 F2H6, Ireland
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Six A, Krajangwong S, Crumlish M, Zadoks RN, Walker D. Galleria mellonella as an infection model for the multi-host pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae reflects hypervirulence of strains associated with human invasive disease. Virulence 2020; 10:600-609. [PMID: 31230520 PMCID: PMC6592362 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1631660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae, or group B Streptococcus (GBS), infects diverse hosts including humans and economically important species such as cattle and fishes. In the context of human health, GBS is a major cause of neonatal infections and an emerging cause of invasive disease in adults and of foodborne disease in Southeast Asia. Here we show that GBS is able to establish a systemic infection in Galleria mellonella larvae that is associated with extensive bacterial replication and dose-dependent larval survival. This infection model is suitable for use with GBS isolates from both homeothermic and poikilothermic hosts. Hypervirulent sequence types (ST) associated with invasive human disease in neonates (ST17) or adults (ST283) show increased virulence in this model, indicating it may be useful in studying GBS virulence determinants, albeit with limitations for some host-specific virulence factors. In addition, we demonstrate that larval survival can be afforded by antibiotic treatment and so the model may also be useful in the development of novel anti-GBS strategies. The use of G. mellonella in GBS research has the potential to provide a low-cost infection model that could reduce the number of vertebrates used in the study of GBS infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Six
- a Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences , University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK
| | - Sakranmanee Krajangwong
- a Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences , University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK
| | | | - Ruth N Zadoks
- c Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences , University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK
| | - Daniel Walker
- a Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences , University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK
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Mir AH, Qamar A, Qadir I, Naqvi AH, Begum R. Accumulation and trafficking of zinc oxide nanoparticles in an invertebrate model, Bombyx mori, with insights on their effects on immuno-competent cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1617. [PMID: 32005898 PMCID: PMC6994675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used in many applications; however, their interactions with cells, immune cells in particular, and potential health risk(s) are not fully known. In this manuscript, we have demonstrated the potential of ZnO NPs to cross the gut barrier in an invertebrate model, Bombyx mori, and that they can reach the hemolymph where they interact with and/or are taken up by immune-competent cells resulting in various toxic responses like decline in hemocyte viability, ROS generation, morphological alterations, apoptotic cell death, etc. Exposure to these NPs also resulted in alteration of hemocyte dynamics including an immediate increase in THC, possibly due to the release of these hemocytes either from enhanced rate of cell divisions or from attached hemocyte populations, and decline in percentage of prohemocytes and increase in percentage of two professional phagocytes, i.e., granulocytes and plasmatocytes, possibly due to the differentiation of prohemocytes into phagocytes in response to a perceived immune challenge posed by these NPs. Taken together, our data suggest that ZnO NPs have the potential to cross gut barrier and cause various toxic effects that could reverse and the insects could return to normal physiological states as there is restoration and repair of various systems and their affected pathways following the clearance of these NPs from the insect body. Our study also indicates that B. mori has the potential to serve as an effective alternate animal model for biosafety, environmental monitoring and screening of NPs, particularly to evaluate their interactions with invertebrate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashiq Hussain Mir
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India. .,Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India.
| | - Ayesha Qamar
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ishana Qadir
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Alim H Naqvi
- Interdisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rizwana Begum
- Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Liu FC, Yu HP, Chen PJ, Yang HW, Chang SH, Tzeng CC, Cheng WJ, Chen YR, Chen YL, Hwang TL. A novel NOX2 inhibitor attenuates human neutrophil oxidative stress and ameliorates inflammatory arthritis in mice. Redox Biol 2019; 26:101273. [PMID: 31325723 PMCID: PMC6639650 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil infiltration plays a significant pathological role in inflammatory diseases. NADPH oxidase type 2 (NOX2) is a respiratory burst oxidase that generates large amounts of superoxide anion (O2•−) and subsequent other reactive oxygen species (ROS). NOX2 is an emerging therapeutic target for treating neutrophilic inflammatory diseases. Herein, we show that 4-[(4-(dimethylamino)butoxy)imino]-1-methyl-1H-benzo[f]indol-9(4H)-one (CYR5099) acts as a NOX2 inhibitor and exerts a protective effect against complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory arthritis in mice. CYR5099 restricted the production of O2•− and ROS, but not the elastase release, in human neutrophils activated with various stimulators. The upstream signaling pathways of NOX2 were not inhibited by CYR5099. Significantly, CYR5099 inhibited NOX2 activity in activated human neutrophils and in reconstituted subcellular assays. In addition, CYR5099 reduced ROS production, neutrophil infiltration, and edema in CFA-induced arthritis in mice. Our findings suggest that CYR5099 is a NOX2 inhibitor and has therapeutic potential for treating neutrophil-dominant oxidative inflammatory disorders. CYR5099 is a NOX2 inhibitor. CYR5099 inhibits human neutrophil respiratory burst and adhesion. CYR5099 reduces ROS production, neutrophil infiltration, and edema on mouse arthritis. CYR5099 has potential to treat neutrophil-mediated inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Chao Liu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan; Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Huang-Ping Yu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan; Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jen Chen
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Providence University, Taichung, 433, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Wu Yang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsin Chang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan; Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Cherng-Chyi Tzeng
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University-Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jen Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan; Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - You-Ren Chen
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University-Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Yeh-Long Chen
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University-Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
| | - Tsong-Long Hwang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan; Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan; Chinese Herbal Medicine Research Team, Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, 243, Taiwan.
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Emery H, Johnston R, Rowley AF, Coates CJ. Indomethacin-induced gut damage in a surrogate insect model, Galleria mellonella. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:2347-60. [PMID: 31270586 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02508-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that causes gastric ulceration and increased 'leakiness' in rat models, and is used routinely as a toxicology assay to screen novel compounds for repair and restitution properties. We set out to establish conditions for indomethacin-induced gut damage in wax-moth (Galleria mellonella) larvae with a view to reducing the need for rodents in such experimentation. We administered indomethacin (0.5-7.5 µg/larva; 2-30 mg/kg) to G. mellonella via intrahaemocoelic injection and gavage (force-feeding) and monitored survival and development, blood cell (haemocyte) numbers, and changes in gut permeability. Increased levels of gut leakiness were observed within the first 4- to 24 h by tracking fluorescent microspheres in the faeces and haemolymph (blood equivalent). Additionally, we recorded varying levels of tissue damage in histological sections of the insect midgut, including epithelial sloughing and cell necrosis. Degeneration of the midgut was accompanied by significant increases in detoxification-associated activities (superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase). Herein, we present the first evidence that G. mellonella larvae force-fed indomethacin display broad symptoms of gastric damage similar to their rodent counterparts.
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Abstract
The insect immune response demonstrates many similarities to the innate immune response of mammals and a wide range of insects is now employed to assess the virulence of pathogens and produce results comparable to those obtained using mammals. Many of the humoral responses in insects and mammals are similar (e.g. insect transglutaminases and human clotting factor XIIIa) however a number show distinct differences. For example in mammals, melanization plays a role in protection from solar radiation and in skin and hair pigmentation. In contrast, insect melanization acts as a defence mechanism in which the proPO system is activated upon pathogen invasion. Human and insect antimicrobial peptides share distinct structural and functional similarities, insects produce the majority of their AMPs from the fat body while mammals rely on production locally at the site of infection by epithelial/mucosal cells. Understanding the structure and function of the insect immune system and the similarities with the innate immune response of mammals will increase the attractiveness of using insects as in vivo models for studying host – pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Sheehan
- a Department of Biology , Maynooth University , Maynooth , Ireland
| | - Amy Garvey
- a Department of Biology , Maynooth University , Maynooth , Ireland
| | - Michael Croke
- a Department of Biology , Maynooth University , Maynooth , Ireland
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- a Department of Biology , Maynooth University , Maynooth , Ireland
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15
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Maurer E, Hörtnagl C, Lackner M, Grässle D, Naschberger V, Moser P, Segal E, Semis M, Lass-Flörl C, Binder U. Galleria mellonella as a model system to study virulence potential of mucormycetes and evaluation of antifungal treatment. Med Mycol 2019; 57:351-362. [PMID: 29924357 PMCID: PMC6398984 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucorales can cause cutaneous to deep-seated infections, mainly in the immunocompromised host, resulting in high mortality rates due to late and inefficient treatment. In this study, Galleria mellonella larvae were evaluated as a heterologous invertebrate host to study pathogenicity of clinically relevant mucormycetes (Rhizopus spp., Rhizomucor spp., Lichtheimia spp., Mucor spp.). All tested species were able to infect G. mellonella larvae. Virulence potential was species-specific and correlated to clinical relevance. Survival of infected larvae was dependent on (a) the species (growth speed and spore size), (b) the infection dose, (c) the incubation temperature, (d) oxidative stress tolerance, and (e) iron availability in the growth medium. Moreover, we exploited the G. mellonella system to determine antifungal efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B, posaconazole, isavuconazole, and nystatin-intralipid. Outcome of in vivo treatment was strongly dependent upon the drug applied and the species tested. Nystatin-intralipid exhibited best activity against Mucorales, followed by posaconazole, while limited efficacy was seen for liposomal amphotericin B and isavuconazole. Pharmacokinetic properties of the tested antifungals within this alternative host system partly explain the limited treatment efficacy. In conclusion, G. mellonella represents a useful invertebrate infection model for studying virulence of mucormycetes, while evaluation of treatment response was limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Maurer
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Caroline Hörtnagl
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Denise Grässle
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Verena Naschberger
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Patrizia Moser
- Department of Pathology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Esther Segal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Margarita Semis
- City of Hope, Beckman research Institute, Department of Molecular Immunology, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ulrike Binder
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
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16
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Trevijano-Contador N, Zaragoza O. Immune Response of Galleria mellonella against Human Fungal Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 5:E3. [PMID: 30587801 DOI: 10.3390/jof5010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In many aspects, the immune response against pathogens in insects is similar to the innate immunity in mammals. This has caused a strong interest in the scientific community for the use of this model in research of host⁻pathogen interactions. In recent years, the use of Galleria mellonella larvae, an insect belonging to the Lepidoptera order, has emerged as an excellent model to study the virulence of human pathogens. It is a model that offers many advantages; for example, it is easy to handle and establish in every laboratory, the larvae have a low cost, and they tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including human temperature 37 °C. The immune response of G. mellonella is innate and is divided into a cellular component (hemocytes) and humoral component (antimicrobial peptides, lytic enzymes, and peptides and melanin) that work together against different intruders. It has been shown that the immune response of this insect has a great specificity and has the ability to distinguish between different classes of microorganisms. In this review, we delve into the different components of the innate immune response of Galleria mellonella, and how these components manifest in the infection of fungal pathogens including Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Histoplasma capsulatum.
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Pereira TC, de Barros PP, Fugisaki LRDO, Rossoni RD, Ribeiro FDC, de Menezes RT, Junqueira JC, Scorzoni L. Recent Advances in the Use of Galleria mellonella Model to Study Immune Responses against Human Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4040128. [PMID: 30486393 PMCID: PMC6308929 DOI: 10.3390/jof4040128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of invertebrates for in vivo studies in microbiology is well established in the scientific community. Larvae of Galleria mellonella are a widely used model for studying pathogenesis, the efficacy of new antimicrobial compounds, and immune responses. The immune system of G. mellonella larvae is structurally and functionally similar to the innate immune response of mammals, which makes this model suitable for such studies. In this review, cellular responses (hemocytes activity: phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation) and humoral responses (reactions or soluble molecules released in the hemolymph as antimicrobial peptides, melanization, clotting, free radical production, and primary immunization) are discussed, highlighting the use of G. mellonella as a model of immune response to different human pathogenic microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Cristine Pereira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Luciana Ruano de Oliveira Fugisaki
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Felipe de Camargo Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Raquel Teles de Menezes
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, São Paulo 12245-000, Brazil.
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Kavanagh K, Sheehan G. The Use of Galleria mellonella Larvae to Identify Novel Antimicrobial Agents against Fungal Species of Medical Interest. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4030113. [PMID: 30235800 PMCID: PMC6162640 DOI: 10.3390/jof4030113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system of insects and the innate immune response of mammals share many similarities and, as a result, insects may be used to assess the virulence of fungal pathogens and give results similar to those from mammals. Larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella are widely used in this capacity and also for assessing the toxicity and in vivo efficacy of antifungal drugs. G. mellonella larvae are easy to use, inexpensive to purchase and house, and have none of the legal/ethical restrictions that are associated with use of mammals. Larvae may be inoculated by intra-hemocoel injection or by force-feeding. Larvae can be used to assess the in vivo toxicity of antifungal drugs using a variety of cellular, proteomic, and molecular techniques. Larvae have also been used to identify the optimum combinations of antifungal drugs for use in the treatment of recalcitrant fungal infections in mammals. The introduction of foreign material into the hemocoel of larvae can induce an immune priming effect which may operate independently with the activity of the antifungal drug. Procedures to identify this effect and limit its action are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kavanagh
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare W23F2H6, Ireland.
| | - Gerard Sheehan
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare W23F2H6, Ireland.
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Beekman CN, Meckler L, Kim E, Bennett RJ. Galleria mellonella as an insect model for P. destructans, the cause of White-nose Syndrome in bats. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201915. [PMID: 30183704 PMCID: PMC6124720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudogymnoascus destructans is the fungal pathogen responsible for White-nose Syndrome (WNS), a disease that has killed millions of bats in North America over the last decade. A major obstacle to research on P. destructans has been the lack of a tractable infection model for monitoring virulence. Here, we establish a high-throughput model of infection using larvae of Galleria mellonella, an invertebrate used to study host-pathogen interactions for a wide range of microbial species. We demonstrate that P. destructans can kill G. mellonella larvae in an inoculum-dependent manner when infected larvae are housed at 13°C or 18°C. Larval killing is an active process, as heat-killed P. destructans spores caused significantly decreased levels of larval death compared to live spores. We also show that fungal spores that were germinated prior to inoculation were able to kill larvae 3–4 times faster than non-germinated spores. Lastly, we identified chemical inhibitors of P. destructans and used G. mellonella to evaluate these inhibitors for their ability to reduce virulence. We demonstrate that amphotericin B can effectively block larval killing by P. destructans and thereby establish that this infection model can be used to screen biocontrol agents against this fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chapman N. Beekman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI United States of America
| | - Lauren Meckler
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI United States of America
| | - Eleanor Kim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI United States of America
| | - Richard J. Bennett
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, RI United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Sheehan G, Clarke G, Kavanagh K. Characterisation of the cellular and proteomic response of Galleria mellonella larvae to the development of invasive aspergillosis. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:63. [PMID: 29954319 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Galleria mellonella larvae were infected with conidia of Aspergillus fumigatus and the cellular and humoral immune responses of larvae to the pathogen were characterized as invasive aspergillosis developed. Results At 2 h post-infection there was an increase in hemocyte density to 7.43 ± 0.50 × 106/ml from 0.98 ± 0.08 × 106/ml at 0 h. Hemocytes from larvae immune primed for 6 h with heat killed A. fumigatus conidia displayed superior anti-fungal activity. Examination of the spread of the fungus by Cryo-imaging and fluorescent microscopy revealed dissemination of the fungus through the larvae by 6 h and the formation of distinct nodules in tissue. By 24 h a range of nodules were visible at the site of infection and at sites distant from that indicating invasion of tissue. Proteomic analysis of larvae infected with viable conidia for 6 h demonstrated an increase in the abundance of gustatory receptor candidate 25 (37 fold), gloverin-like protein (14 fold), cecropin-A (11 fold). At 24 h post-infection gustatory receptor candidate 25 (126 fold), moricin-like peptide D (33 fold) and muscle protein 20-like protein (12 fold) were increased in abundance. Proteins decreased in abundance included fibrohexamerin (13 fold) and dimeric dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (8 fold). Conclusion The results presented here indicate that G. mellonella larvae may be a convenient model for studying the stages in the development of invasive aspergillosis and may offer an insight into this process in mammals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-018-1208-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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21
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Reece E, Doyle S, Greally P, Renwick J, McClean S. Aspergillus fumigatus Inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Co-culture: Implications of a Mutually Antagonistic Relationship on Virulence and Inflammation in the CF Airway. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1205. [PMID: 29922270 PMCID: PMC5996130 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cystic fibrosis (CF) airway infections are considered to be polymicrobial and microbe–microbe interactions may play an important role in disease pathology. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus are the most prevalent bacterial and fungal pathogens isolated from the CF airway, respectively. We have previously shown that patients co-colonized with these pathogens had comparable outcomes to those chronically colonized with P. aeruginosa. Our objective was to examine the interactions between A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa, specifically the effects of co-colonization on biofilm formation, virulence and host pro-inflammatory responses. Our findings suggest that co-infections of A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa in the Galleria mellonella acute infection model showed that pre-exposure of larvae to sub-lethal inocula of A. fumigatus increased the mortality caused by subsequent P. aeruginosa infection. Co-infection of human bronchial epithelial cells (CFBE41o-) with both pathogens did not enhance IL-6 and IL-8 production beyond the levels observed following single infections. In addition, both pathogens stimulated cytokine secretion via the same two mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways, ERK and p38. Mixed species biofilms showed overall reduced biofilm development with crystal violet staining. Quantification by species-specific qPCR revealed that both pathogens had mutually antagonistic effects on each other. A. fumigatus supernatants showed strong anti-Pseudomonal activity and gliotoxin was the main active agent. Gliotoxin resulted in varying levels of anti-biofilm activity toward other bacteria commonly found in the CF airways. Gliotoxin produced by A. fumigatus colonizing the CF airways may have a significant impact on the CF airway microbiome composition with potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Reece
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin - Trinity Centre for Health Science, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Peter Greally
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The National Children's Hospital, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julie Renwick
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin - Trinity Centre for Health Science, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Siobhán McClean
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Wu G, Xu L, Yi Y. Galleria mellonella larvae are capable of sensing the extent of priming agent and mounting proportionatal cellular and humoral immune responses. Immunol Lett 2016; 174:45-52. [PMID: 27107784 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Larvae of Galleria mellonella are useful models for studying the innate immunity of invertebrates or for evaluating the virulence of microbial pathogens. In this work, we demonstrated that prior exposure of G. mellonella larvae to high doses (1×10(4), 1×10(5) or 1×10(6) cells/larva) of heat-killed Photorhabdus luminescens TT01 increases the resistance of larvae to a lethal dose (50 cells/larva) of viable P. luminescens TT01 infection administered 48h later. We also found that the changes in immune protection level were highly correlated to the changes in levels of cellular and humoral immune parameters when priming the larvae with different doses of heat-killed P. luminescens TT01. Priming the larvae with high doses of heat-killed P. luminescens TT01 resulted in significant increases in the hemocytes activities of phagocytosis and encapsulation. High doses of heat-killed P. luminescens TT01 also induced an increase in total hemocyte count and a reduction in bacterial density within the larval hemocoel. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that genes coding for cecropin and gallerimycin and galiomycin increased in expression after priming G. mellonella with heat-killed P. luminescens TT01. All the immune parameters changed in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that the insect immune system is capable of sensing the extent of priming agent and mounting a proportionate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongqing Wu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan 528458, China; Guangdong Cosmetics Engineering & Technology Research Center, China
| | - Li Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan 528458, China
| | - Yunhong Yi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan 528458, China.
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Binder U, Maurer E, Lass-flörl C. Galleria mellonella: An invertebrate model to study pathogenicity in correctly defined fungal species. Fungal Biol 2016; 120:288-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Abstract
Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth or honeycomb moth) has been introduced as an alternative model to study microbial infections. G. mellonella larvae can be easily and inexpensively obtained in large numbers and are simple to use as they don't require special lab equipment. There are no ethical constraints and their short life cycle makes them ideal for large-scale studies. Although insects lack an adaptive immune response, their innate immune response shows remarkable similarities with the immune response in vertebrates. This review gives a current update of what is known about the immune system of G. mellonella and provides an extensive overview of how G. mellonella is used to study the virulence of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the use of G. mellonella to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial agents and experimental phage therapy are also discussed. The review concludes with a critical assessment of the current limitatons of G. mellonella infection models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Jia-Yun Tsai
- a Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology , School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand.,b Maurice Wilkins Center, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Jacelyn Mei San Loh
- a Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology , School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand.,b Maurice Wilkins Center, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Thomas Proft
- a Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology , School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand.,b Maurice Wilkins Center, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
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25
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Maurer E, Browne N, Surlis C, Jukic E, Moser P, Kavanagh K, Lass-Flörl C, Binder U. Galleria mellonella as a host model to study Aspergillus terreus virulence and amphotericin B resistance. Virulence 2015; 6:591-8. [PMID: 26107350 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1045183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate if the alternative in vivo model Galleria mellonella can be used (i) to determine differences in pathogenicity of amphotericin B (AMB) resistant and susceptible A. terreus isolates, (ii) to evaluate AMB efficacy in vivo (iii) and to correlate outcome to in vitro susceptibility data. Larvae were infected with 2 A. terreus AMB resistant (ATR) and 3 AMB susceptible (ATS) isolates and survival rates were correlated to physiological attributes and killing ability of larval haemocytes. Additionally, infected larvae were treated with different concentrations of L-AMB. Haemocyte density were ascertained to evaluate the influence of L-AMB on the larval immune cells. Larvae were sensitive to A. terreus infection in an inoculum-size and temperature dependent manner. In vitro susceptibility to L-AMB correlated with in vivo outcome of antifungal treatment, defining an AMB susceptible strain cluster of A. terreus. Susceptibility to L-AMB increased virulence potential in the larval model, but this increase was also in accordance with faster growth and less damage caused by larval haemocytes. L-AMB treatment primed the larval immune response by increasing haemocyte density. G. mellonella provides a convenient model for the in vivo screening of A. terreus virulence and treatment options, contributing to the generation of a hypothesis that can be further tested in refined experiments in mammalian models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Maurer
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology; Medical University of Innsbruck ; Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Niall Browne
- b Medical Mycology Unit; Department of Biology; Maynooth University ; Maynooth ; Kildare , Ireland
| | - Carla Surlis
- b Medical Mycology Unit; Department of Biology; Maynooth University ; Maynooth ; Kildare , Ireland
| | - Emina Jukic
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology; Medical University of Innsbruck ; Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Patrizia Moser
- c Department of Pathology ; Medical University of Innsbruck ; Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- b Medical Mycology Unit; Department of Biology; Maynooth University ; Maynooth ; Kildare , Ireland
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology; Medical University of Innsbruck ; Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Ulrike Binder
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology; Medical University of Innsbruck ; Innsbruck , Austria
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Tillmann AT, Strijbis K, Cameron G, Radmaneshfar E, Thiel M, Munro CA, MacCallum DM, Distel B, Gow NAR, Brown AJP. Contribution of Fdh3 and Glr1 to Glutathione Redox State, Stress Adaptation and Virulence in Candida albicans. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126940. [PMID: 26039593 PMCID: PMC4454436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The major fungal pathogen of humans, Candida albicans, is exposed to reactive nitrogen and oxygen species following phagocytosis by host immune cells. In response to these toxins, this fungus activates potent anti-stress responses that include scavenging of reactive nitrosative and oxidative species via the glutathione system. Here we examine the differential roles of two glutathione recycling enzymes in redox homeostasis, stress adaptation and virulence in C. albicans: glutathione reductase (Glr1) and the S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), Fdh3. We show that the NADPH-dependent Glr1 recycles GSSG to GSH, is induced in response to oxidative stress and is required for resistance to macrophage killing. GLR1 deletion increases the sensitivity of C. albicans cells to H2O2, but not to formaldehyde or NO. In contrast, Fdh3 detoxifies GSNO to GSSG and NH3, and FDH3 inactivation delays NO adaptation and increases NO sensitivity. C. albicans fdh3⎔ cells are also sensitive to formaldehyde, suggesting that Fdh3 also contributes to formaldehyde detoxification. FDH3 is induced in response to nitrosative, oxidative and formaldehyde stress, and fdh3Δ cells are more sensitive to killing by macrophages. Both Glr1 and Fdh3 contribute to virulence in the Galleria mellonella and mouse models of systemic infection. We conclude that Glr1 and Fdh3 play differential roles during the adaptation of C. albicans cells to oxidative, nitrosative and formaldehyde stress, and hence during the colonisation of the host. Our findings emphasise the importance of the glutathione system and the maintenance of intracellular redox homeostasis in this major pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna T Tillmann
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Karin Strijbis
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gary Cameron
- Division of Applied Medicine, Mass Spectrometry Section, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Elahe Radmaneshfar
- Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology, SUPA, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Thiel
- Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology, SUPA, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Carol A Munro
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Donna M MacCallum
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Distel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Neil A R Gow
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Sparks ME, Shelby KS, Kuhar D, Gundersen-Rindal DE. Transcriptome of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). PLoS One 2014; 9:e111646. [PMID: 25386688 PMCID: PMC4227672 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), the brown marmorated stink bug, is an invasive agricultural and nuisance pest rapidly expanding its incidence in North America. This voracious pest poses a significant threat to rural and urban agriculture, especially to specialty crops such as apples, grapes and ornamentals, as well as staple crops including soybean and corn. The object of this study was to generate transcript sequence resources for H. halys. RNA-seq libraries derived from distinct developmental stages and sexes were sequenced and assembled into 248,569 putatively unique transcripts (PUTs). PUTs were segmented into three disjoint tiers of varying reliability, with 4,794 classified as gold tier (highest quality), 16,878 as silver, and 14,357 as bronze. The gold-tier PUTs associated with 2,580 distinct non-redundant protein sequences from the NCBI NR database--1,785 of these (69%) mapped to annotated UniProtKB database proteins, from which 1,273 unique Pfam families and 459 unique Molecular Function GO terms were encountered. Of the silver tier's 6,527 PUTs associated with unique proteins, 4,193 mapped to UniProtKB (64%), from which 1,941 and 640 unique Pfam and Molecular Function GO terms were extracted. H. halys PUTs related to important life processes like immunity, endocrinology, reproduction, development, behavior, neurotransmission, neurotoxicity, olfaction, and small RNA pathways were validated through quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) for differential expression during distinct life stages (eggs, 2nd instar nymphs, 4th instar nymphs, female adults, male adults). PUTs similar to hypothetical proteins identified in symbiont microbes, including Pantoea and Nosema species, were more abundantly expressed in adults versus nymphs. These comprehensive H. halys transcriptomic resources can be utilized to aid development of novel control methodologies to disrupt life processes; to conduct reverse genetic screens to determine host gene function; and to design environmentally unobtrusive means to control host populations or target specific H. halys life stages, such as molecular biopesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E. Sparks
- USDA-ARS Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kent S. Shelby
- USDA-ARS Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Daniel Kuhar
- USDA-ARS Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dawn E. Gundersen-Rindal
- USDA-ARS Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
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Shelby KS. Functional Immunomics of the Squash Bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer) (Heteroptera: Coreidae). Insects 2013; 4:712-30. [PMID: 26462532 PMCID: PMC4553512 DOI: 10.3390/insects4040712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Squash bug, Anasa tristis (De Geer), is a major piercing/sucking pest of cucurbits, causing extensive damage to plants and fruits, and transmitting phytopathogens. No genomic resources to facilitate field and laboratory studies of this pest were available; therefore the first de novo exome for this destructive pest was assembled. RNA was extracted from insects challenged with bacterial and fungal immunoelicitors, insects fed on different cucurbit species, and insects from all life stages from egg to adult. All treatments and replicates were separately barcoded for subsequent analyses, then pooled for sequencing in a single lane using the Illumina HiSeq2000 platform. Over 211 million 100-base tags generated in this manner were trimmed, filtered, and cleaned, then assembled into a de novo reference transcriptome using the Broad Institute Trinity assembly algorithm. The assembly was annotated using NCBIx NR, BLAST2GO, KEGG and other databases. Of the >130,000 total assemblies 37,327 were annotated identifying the sequences of candidate gene silencing targets from immune, endocrine, reproductive, cuticle, and other physiological systems. Expression profiling of the adult immune response was accomplished by aligning the 100-base tags from each biological replicate from each treatment and controls to the annotated reference assembly of the A. tristis transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent S Shelby
- Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1503 S. Providence Road, Columbia, MO 65203, USA.
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Browne N, Heelan M, Kavanagh K. An analysis of the structural and functional similarities of insect hemocytes and mammalian phagocytes. Virulence 2013; 4:597-603. [PMID: 23921374 PMCID: PMC3906293 DOI: 10.4161/viru.25906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect immune response demonstrates a number of structural and functional similarities to the innate immune system of mammals. As a result of these conserved features insects have become popular choices for evaluating the virulence of microbial pathogens or for assessing the efficacy of antimicrobial agents and give results which are comparable to those that can be obtained using mammals. Analysis of the cellular component of the insect and mammalian immune systems demonstrates many similarities. Insect hemocytes recognize pathogens and phagocytose material in a similar manner to neutrophils. The killing of ingested microbes is achieved in both cell types by the production of superoxide and by the release of enzymes in the process of degranulation. Insect hemocytes and mammalian neutrophils are sensitive to the same inhibitors. This review highlights the strong similarities between the phagocytic cells of both groups of animals and demonstrates the potential benefits of using selected insects as in vivo screening systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niall Browne
- Department of Biology; NUI Maynooth; Maynooth, Co. Kildare Ireland
| | - Michelle Heelan
- Department of Biology; NUI Maynooth; Maynooth, Co. Kildare Ireland
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Department of Biology; NUI Maynooth; Maynooth, Co. Kildare Ireland
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Arvanitis M, Glavis-Bloom J, Mylonakis E. Invertebrate models of fungal infection. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1832:1378-83. [PMID: 23517918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The morbidity, mortality and economic burden associated with fungal infections, together with the emergence of fungal strains resistant to current antimicrobial agents, necessitate broadening our understanding of fungal pathogenesis and discovering new agents to treat these infections. Using invertebrate hosts, especially the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the model insects Drosophila melanogaster and Galleria mellonella, could help achieve these goals. The evolutionary conservation of several aspects of the innate immune response between invertebrates and mammals makes the use of these simple hosts an effective and fast screening method for identifying fungal virulence factors and testing potential antifungal compounds. The purpose of this review is to compare several model hosts that have been used in experimental mycology to-date and to describe their different characteristics and contribution to the study of fungal virulence and the detection of compounds with antifungal properties. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Animal Models of Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Arvanitis
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Shelby KS, Popham HJR. RNA-Seq Study of Microbially Induced Hemocyte Transcripts from Larval Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Insects 2012; 3:743-62. [PMID: 26466627 PMCID: PMC4553588 DOI: 10.3390/insects3030743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Revised: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Larvae of the tobacco budworm are major polyphagous pests throughout the Americas. Development of effective microbial biopesticides for this and related noctuid pests has been stymied by the natural resistance mediated innate immune response. Hemocytes play an early and central role in activating and coordinating immune responses to entomopathogens. To approach this problem we completed RNA-seq expression profiling of hemocytes collected from larvae following an in vivo challenge with bacterial and fungal cell wall components to elicit an immune response. A de novo exome assembly was constructed by combination of sequence tags from all treatments. Sequence tags from each treatment were aligned separately with the assembly to measure expression. The resulting table of differential expression had >22,000 assemblies each with a distinct combination of annotation and expression. Within these assemblies >1,400 were upregulated and >1,500 downregulated by immune activation with bacteria or fungi. Orthologs to innate immune components of other insects were identified including pattern recognition, signal transduction pathways, antimicrobial peptides and enzymes, melanization and coagulation. Additionally orthologs of components regulating hemocytic functions such as autophagy, apoptosis, phagocytosis and nodulation were identified. Associated cellular oxidative defenses and detoxification responses were identified providing a comprehensive snapshot of the early response to elicitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent S Shelby
- Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, USDA Agricultural Research Service, 1503 S. Providence Road, Columbia, MO 65203, USA.
| | - Holly J R Popham
- Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, USDA Agricultural Research Service, 1503 S. Providence Road, Columbia, MO 65203, USA.
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Banville N, Fallon J, McLoughlin K, Kavanagh K. Disruption of haemocyte function by exposure to cytochalasin b or nocodazole increases the susceptibility of Galleria mellonella larvae to infection. Microbes Infect 2011; 13:1191-8. [PMID: 21782965 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Administration of non-toxic concentrations (10 μM) of cytochalasin b and nocodazole to larvae of Galleria mellonella increased their susceptibility to infection by the yeast Candida albicans. These agents were found to inhibit the process of phagocytosis and to reduce the killing ability of haemocytes. In addition, both cytochalasin b and nocodazole reduced the release of antimicrobial peptides (e.g. apolipophorin 3) and enzymes (e.g. serine protease) from PMA stimulated haemocytes. Rhodamine coupled phalloidin staining revealed reduced F-actin formation in haemocytes treated with nocodazole or cytochalasin b. By disrupting the formation of F-actin cytochalasin b and nocodazole have the ability to retard the function of haemocytes, in the same manner as they affect mammalian neutrophils, and thus increase the susceptibility of larvae to infection. The results presented here demonstrate that haemocytes are sensitive to inhibition by nocodazole and cytochalasin b, in a similar manner to neutrophils, thus highlighting another similarity between both cell types and so increasing the attractiveness of using insects as alternative models to the use of mammals for in vivo pathogen or drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nessa Banville
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Biology, NUI Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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Fallon JP, Reeves EP, Kavanagh K. The Aspergillus fumigatus toxin fumagillin suppresses the immune response of Galleria mellonella larvae by inhibiting the action of haemocytes. Microbiology (Reading) 2011; 157:1481-1488. [PMID: 21349977 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.043786-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Larvae of Galleria mellonella are widely used to evaluate microbial virulence and to assess the in vivo efficacy of antimicrobial agents. The aim of this work was to examine the ability of an Aspergillus fumigatus toxin, fumagillin, to suppress the immune response of larvae. Administration of fumagillin to larvae increased their susceptibility to subsequent infection with A. fumigatus conidia (P = 0.0052). It was demonstrated that a dose of 2 µg fumagillin ml⁻¹ reduced the ability of insect immune cells (haemocytes) to kill opsonized cells of Candida albicans (P = 0.039) and to phagocytose A. fumigatus conidia (P = 0.016). Fumagillin reduced the oxygen uptake of haemocytes and decreased the translocation of a p47 protein which is homologous to p47(phox), a protein essential for the formation of a functional NADPH oxidase complex required for superoxide production. In addition, toxin-treated haemocytes showed reduced levels of degranulation as measured by the release of a protein showing reactivity to an anti-myeloperoxidase antibody (P<0.049) that was subsequently identified by liquid chromatography-MS analysis as prophenoloxidase. This work demonstrates that fumagillin suppresses the immune response of G. mellonella larvae by inhibiting the action of haemocytes and thus renders the larvae susceptible to infection. During growth of the fungus in the larvae, this toxin, along with others, may facilitate growth by suppressing the cellular immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Fallon
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Biology, National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Emer P Reeves
- Respiratory Research Division, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Biology, National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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Fallon JP, Reeves EP, Kavanagh K. Inhibition of neutrophil function following exposure to the Aspergillus fumigatus toxin fumagillin. J Med Microbiol 2010; 59:625-633. [PMID: 20203215 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.018192-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus produces a variety of enzymes and toxins that may facilitate fungal colonization of tissue and evasion of the host immune response. One such toxin, fumagillin, was investigated for its ability to inhibit the action of neutrophils, which are a central component of the innate immune response to microbial infection. Neutrophils exposed to 2 microg fumagillin ml(-1) for 25 min showed a significantly reduced ability to kill yeast cells (P<0.02), to phagocytose conidia of A. fumigatus (P<0.023) and to consume oxygen (P<0.032). The ability of neutrophils to generate superoxide is dependent upon the action of a functional NADPH oxidase complex which is composed of cytosolic (p40phox, p47phox, p67phox, Rac2) and membrane (gp91phox) proteins. Exposure of neutrophils to fumagillin inhibited the formation of the NADPH oxidase complex by blocking the translocation of p47phox from the cytosolic to the membrane fraction (P=0.02). In addition to the production of superoxide, neutrophils also undergo degranulation, which leads to the release of proteolytic enzymes that contribute to the microbicidal activity of the cell. Fumagillin-treated neutrophils showed reduced degranulation as evidenced by lower myeloperoxidase activity (P<0.019). Fumagillin-treated cells demonstrated reduced levels of F-actin, thus indicating that retarding the formation of F-actin may contribute to the inhibition of the structural rearrangements required in the activated neutrophil. This work indicates that fumagillin may contribute to reducing the local immune response by altering the activity of neutrophils and thus facilitate the continued persistence and growth of A. fumigatus in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Fallon
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Biology, National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Emer P Reeves
- Respiratory Research Division, Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Biology, National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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Abstract
The substitution of insects for laboratory animals in toxicity testing is likely to become a reality in the framework of prescreening. Haematotoxicological studies of newly developed chemicals, such as food components, drugs, etc. performed on insects can offer advantages in, for example, environmental toxicology. Reliable routine predictions should produce an increase in our knowledge of haemocyte physiology. Although the differences between human physiology and morphology and those of insects are great, the basic functions of insect haemocytes and mammalian leukocytes appear not to have changed during evolution. The use of insects in haematotoxicity assays represents a preclinical testing strategy which will lower costs, accelerate screening and offer ethical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Berger
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, University of South Bohemia, 37005 Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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Dunphy GB, Chen G, Webster JM. The antioxidants dimethylsulfoxide and dimethylthiourea affect the immediate adhesion responses of larval haemocytes from 3 lepidopteran insect species. Can J Microbiol 2008; 53:1330-47. [PMID: 18059566 DOI: 10.1139/w07-096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antioxidants, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylthiourea (DMTU), at concentrations not affecting the viability of blood cells (haemocytes) from the larval stage of 3 lepidopteran insects - Galleria mellonella, Lymantria dispar, and Malacosoma disstria - differed in their influence on the innate binding of haemocytes to glass, bacteria to haemocytes, and on humoral responses to alien materials. In vitro DMSO had little effect, whereas DMTU substantially impaired the adhesion of the haemocyte types, the plasmatocytes and granular cells, to slides as well as the attachment of Bacillus subtilis to these haemocytes. Although both antioxidants increased lysozyme and phenoloxidase activities, there was no correlation of enzyme activity and haemocyte adhesion responses, possibly reflecting sequestered radicals. Nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals offset the DMTU effect. In the absence of antioxidants, inactivate protein kinases A (PKA) and C (PKC) enhanced haemocyte aggregation. In general, DMSO, as opposed to DMTU, did not alter the effects of PKA and PKC activators and inhibitors on haemocyte aggregation or of PKC and PKA activities. High concentrations of DMSO and all levels of DMTU, although inhibiting PKA and PKC, inhibited haemocyte adhesion to slides. Comparable results occurred for DMTU-treated haemocytes incubated with B. subtilis. In vivo DMSO, unlike DMTU, did not impair plasmatocyte or granular cell responses to foreign materials, including bacterial removal from the haemolymph and nodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary B Dunphy
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
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