Role of purified β-1, 3 glucan binding protein (β-GBP) from Paratelphusa hydrodromus and their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibiofilm properties

Quantification of proteomic profile changes in the hemolymph of crayfish during in vitro coagulation

Hemolymph is the circulatory fluid that fills the body cavity of crustaceans, analogous to blood in vertebrates. Hemolymph coagulation, similar to blood clotting in vertebrates, plays a crucial role in wound healing and innate immune responses. Despite extensive studies on the clotting process in crustaceans, no comparative quantitative analysis of the protein composition of non-clotted and clotted hemolymph in any decapod has been reported. In this study, we used label-free protein quantification with high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify the proteomic profile of hemolymph in crayfish and quantify significant changes in protein abundances between non-clotted and clotted hemolymph. Our analysis identified a total of two-hundred and nineteen proteins in both hemolymph groups. Furthermore, we discussed the potential functions of the top most high and low-abundant proteins in hemolymph proteomic profile. The quantity of most of the proteins was not significantly changed during coagulation between non-clotted and clotted hemolymph, which may indicate that clotting proteins are likely pre-synthesized, allowing for a swift coagulation response to injury. Four proteins still showed abundance differences (p < 0.05, fold change>2), including C-type lectin domain-containing proteins, Laminin A chain, Tropomyosin, and Reverse transcriptase domain-containing proteins. While the first three proteins were down-regulated, the last one was up-regulated. The down-regulation of structural and cytoskeletal proteins may affect the process of hemocyte degranulation needed for coagulation, while the up-regulation of an immune-related protein might be attributed to the phagocytosis ability of viable hemocytes during coagulation.

Plasma β-1,3 Glucan Binding Protein Mediated Opsono-Phagocytosis by Hemocytes In Vitro of Marine Mussel Perna viridis

We have shown in the past decade, for the first time in a bivalve mollusc, detection, isolation, and purification of β-1,3 glucan binding protein (β-GBP) in the plasma of the marine mussel Perna viridis and demonstrated its role in a nonself-induced activation of plasma prophenoloxidase system. In this study, we present evidence for its ability to function as an opsonin during phagocytosis of trypsinized yeast cells by the hemocytes of P. viridis. The in vitro pretreatment of target cells (trypsinized yeast cells) with β-GBP enhanced the phagocytic response of hemocytes. Such β-GBP-mediated enhanced phagocytic response appeared to be dose dependent. This opsono-phagocytic response could be inhibited by the presence of laminarin (a polymer of β-1,3 glucans), glucose, as well as polyclonal antibodies raised against β-GBP. These observations clearly indicate that the plasma β-GBP can possibly recognize and bind to β-1,3 glucans on the surface of targets and facilitate hemocyte recognition processes possibly by forming a bridge between the hemocytes and the target, consequently leading to opsono-phagocytosis. These observations together with our earlier annotations indicate the multifunctional potential of plasma β-GBP in the marine mussel P. viridis.

Transcriptome analysis of Ganoderma lingzhi (Agaricomycetes) response to Trichoderma hengshanicum infection

Green mold caused by Trichoderma spp. has become one of the most serious diseases which threatening the production of Ganoderma lingzhi. To understand the possible resistance mechanism of the G. lingzhi response to T. hengshanicum infection, we examined the G. lingzhi transcript accumulation at 0, 12, and 24 h after T. hengshanicum inoculation. The gene expression analysis was conducted on the interaction between G. lingzhi and T. hengshanicum using RNA-seq and digital gene expression (DGE) profiling methods. Transcriptome sequencing indicated that there were 162 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at three infection time points, containing 15 up-regulated DEGs and 147 down-regulated DEGs. Resistance-related genes thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) (PR-5s), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and Beta-1,3-glucan binding protein were significantly up-regulated. At the three time points of infection, the heat shock proteins (HSPs) genes of G. lingzhi were down-regulated. The down-regulation of HSPs genes led to the inhibition of HSP function, which may compromise the HSP-mediated defense signaling transduction pathway, leading to G. lingzhi susceptibility. Pathway enrichment analyses showed that the main enriched pathways by G. lingzhi after infection were sphingolipid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, and valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation pathway. Overall, the results described here improve fundamental knowledge of molecular responses to G. lingzhi defense and contribute to the design of strategies against Trichoderma spp.

β-1,3-Glucan binding protein-based silver nanoparticles enhance the wound healing potential and disease resistance in Oreochromis mossambicus against Aeromonas hydrophilla

Here we attempted to synthesize β-1,3-glucan binding protein-based silver nanoparticles (Phβ-GBP-AgNPs) and evaluate its wound healing and disease resistance prompting ability in Oreochromis mossambicus. Using a column chromatography technique, an immune molecule, Phβ-GBP was purified from the haemolymph of rice field crab, Paratelphusa hydrodromus. Phβ-GBP-AgNPs were synthesized and described through SDS-PAGE, UV-vis spectroscopy, HR-TEM, XRD and FTIR analysis. HR-TEM revealed that the synthesized Phβ-GBP-AgNPs were spherical with a 20-40 nm size range and the particles were not aggregated. Wound and infection were experimentally generated in O. mossambicus and treated with Phβ-GBP, chem-AgNPs and Phβ-GBP-AgNPs for 20 days. The immune parameters (peroxidase, lysozyme and protease) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) were examined in the serum of experimental fish. Phβ-GBP-AgNPs elevated the immune and antioxidant enzymes during the healing process and enhanced the wound healing percentage in fish than Phβ-GBP and chem-AgNPs. The immune parameters and antioxidant enzymes were declined in the serum of fish (treated with Phβ-GBP-AgNPs) after the mid-period of wound healing. Compared to others, relative percentage survival was increased in experimentally wounded and infected fish treated with Phβ-GBP-AgNPs against Aeromonas hydrophila. Moreover, Phβ-GBP-AgNPs exhibited less toxicity towards Artemia salina than chem-AgNPs during 24 h exposure period. As a result, Phβ-GBP-AgNPs may act as an alternative to commercial antibiotics and be considered an effective immunostimulant in treating skin lesions in intensive farming.

Anti-inflammatory activities of arthropod peptides: a systematic review

Peptides obtained from different animal species have gained importance recently due to research that aims to develop biopharmaceuticals with therapeutic potential. In this sense, arthropod venoms have drawn attention, not only because of their toxicity but mainly for the search for molecules with various bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory activity. The purpose of the present study is to gather data available in the literature on new peptides derived from arthropod species with anti-inflammatory potential. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies on peptides from arthropods that display anti-inflammatory activity were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The bibliographic research started in 2020 and searched papers without a limit on the publication date. The articles were analyzed using a search string containing the following terms: "Peptides" and "Anti-inflammatory", in combinations such as "Ant", "Bee", "Wasp", "Crab", "Shrimp", "Scorpion", "Spider", "Tick" and "Centipedes". Besides, a search was carried out in the databases with the terms: "Peptides", "Antitumor", or "Anticancer", and "Arthropods". Articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria totalized 171, and these served for data extraction. Additionally, the present review included anti-inflammatory peptides with anticancer properties. Peptides with confirmed anti-inflammatory activity were from insects (ants, bees, and wasps), crustaceans (shrimp and crabs), arachnids (scorpions, spiders, and ticks), and centipedes. These arthropod peptides act mainly by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines as analyzed in vitro and in vivo. Some showed significant antineoplastic activity, working in essential cellular pathways against malignant neoplasms.

Hemolymph proteins: An overview across marine arthropods and molluscs

In this compilation we collect information about the main protein components in hemolymph and stress the continued interest in their study. The reasons for such an attention span several areas of biological, veterinarian and medical applications: from the notions for better dealing with the species - belonging to phylum Arthropoda, subphylum Crustacea, and to phylum Mollusca - of economic interest, to the development of 'marine drugs' from the peptides that, in invertebrates, act as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and/or antiviral agents. Overall, the topic most often on focus is that of innate immunity operated by classes of pattern-recognition proteins. SIGNIFICANCE: The immune response in invertebrates relies on innate rather than on adaptive/acquired effectors. At a difference from the soluble and membrane-bound immunoglobulins and receptors in vertebrates, the antimicrobial, antifungal, antiprotozoal and/or antiviral agents in invertebrates interact with non-self material by targeting some common (rather than some highly specific) structural motifs. Developing this paradigm into (semi) synthetic pharmaceuticals, possibly optimized through the modeling opportunities offered by computational biochemistry, is one of the lessons today's science may learn from the study of marine invertebrates, and specifically of the proteins and peptides in their hemolymph.

Immunological and antibiofilm property of haemocyanin purified from grooved tiger shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus): An in vitro and in silico approach

Haemocyanin (Hc) is a non-specific innate immune protein present in the haemolymph of arthropods and molluscs. In the current study, we characterized the structural and immunological properties of Hc from grooved tiger shrimp, Penaeus semisulcatus. Hc was isolated from the haemolymph of P. semisulcatus by gel filtration column chromatography using Sephadex G-100. High-performance liquid chromatography of the purified Hc emerged as a single peak through a retention time of 3.3 min demonstrating the homogeneity nature of the protein. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a distinct peak at 31.7° indicating the crystalline character of the purified Hc. Circular dichroism spectra of the purified Hc displayed negative ellipticity bands close to 225 nm and 208 nm representing β-sheet secondary structure. The purified Hc agglutinated sheep RBCs, yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and fungal Candida albicans. In addition, the purified Hc displayed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus pumilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus) with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 50 μg/ml. Antibiofilm activity revealed the potential of purified Hc to inhibit biofilm formation of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, live/dead staining of biofilms demonstrated the reduced viability of bacterial cells after exposure to the purified Hc. In silico molecular modeling was carried out using the sequence of Hc from SwissProt and molecular docking was performed with the cell surface components found in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Overall our study demonstrates the involvement of Hc in the native immune reaction of P. semisulcatus by eliciting pathogen recognition. Thus, Hc could enhance disease resistance against pathogenic infection in shrimp aquaculture.

Antimicrobial properties and phenoloxidase activation of the lectin isolated from kadal shrimp (Metapenaeus dobsoni)

The present study reveals purification and characterization of the lectin from the haemolymph of Metapenaeus dobsoni. The Md-Lec was purified by affinity chromatography with mannose coupled sepharose CL-4B column and it exhibits single band with a molecular weight of 68 kDa in SDS-PAGE. Furthermore, the molecular mass was confirmed by MALDI-TOF and functional groups present were analysed by FTIR. The surface morphology of purified Md-Lec displays the homogeneous nature of protein. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis expresses three peaks at 10.7716̊, 21.6258̊ and 31.7523̊which indicate the crystalline nature of the protein and the retention time of 3.068 min evident from HPLC reveals the purity of the sample. Functional analysis of purified Md-Lec exhibits yeast agglutination activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and has the ability to agglutinate the human erythrocytes, which was observed by light microscopy. It also exhibited phenoloxidase activation, encapsulation and phagocytic activities. In addition, purified Md-Lec showed the broad spectrum of bacterial agglutination activity against Gram negative Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Aeromonas hydrophila, important fish pathogens. Antiviral potential and anticancer activity of purified Md-Lec against CyHV-2 virus and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines were also evaluated in this study.

β-1, 3 glucan binding protein based selenium nanowire enhances the immune status of Cyprinus carpio and protection against Aeromonas hydrophila infection

In the present study, immunoenhancing effect of β-1, 3 glucan binding protein based selenium nanowire (Phβ-GBP-SeNWs) in common carp, Cyprinus carpio was assessed. Biological based selenium nanoform was synthesized, using crustacean immune molecule β-GBP purified from the haemolymph of Paratelphusa hydrodromus. The morphological property of Phβ-GBP-SeNWs was analyzed through TEM which reveals, the synthesized nanowire exhibits approximately 30-50 nm width with smooth surface. For this current study, fish were fed with experimental diet includes Phβ-GBP, sodium selenite, selenomethionine and Phβ-GBP-SeNWs supplemented diet at different concentrations (0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg) for 30 days. The growth performance, cellular and humoral immune responses (myeloperoxidase, reactive oxygen species, alkaline phosphatase and lysozyme activity) and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity) in the fish fed with Phβ-GBP-SeNWs supplemented diet were significantly increased in dose-dependent manner, which was observed at two different interval period (15^th and 30^th day). Also, Phβ-GBP-SeNWs supplemented diet fed fish gain resistant after challenged with aquatic pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila and the relative survival percentage was increased. Agar disc diffusion and BacLight assay clearly demonstrated the antibacterial property of plasma of fish fed with Phβ-GBP-SeNWs supplemented diet against aquatic pathogen A. hydrophila, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus. Moreover, confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis clearly showed that, Phβ-GBP-SeNWs supplemented diet fed fish plasma was more efficient in disrupting the architecture of bacterial colonies and thereby reduced the thickness of biofilm. Thus, the present study indicates that, incorporation of Phβ-GBP-SeNWs in the diet enhances the fish immune responses and disease resistance against aquatic pathogens.

Sterigmatomyces halophilus β-glucan improves the immune response and bacterial resistance in Pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru) peripheral blood leucocytes: In vitro study

β-Glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides that are produced by bacteria, fungi and yeast. They are considered immunostimulants in fish acting on non-specific defense mechanism. Yeast-derived glucans from cell wall (Sterigmatomyces halophilus, β-Gluc/Sh) have been used for this purpose in this study. Therefore, an in vitro assay using peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) from Pacific red snapper was performed to evaluate the stimulant effects of β-Gluc/Sh and zymosan A (positive control) for 12 and 24 h and after bacterial challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila at 24 h. In addition, structural characterization of this marine yeast glucan was performed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealing structures containing (1-6)-branched (1-3)-β-D-glucan. PBLs responded positively to β-Gluc/Sh where cell viability was higher than 80%. After challenge, β-Gluc/Sh was able to inhibit cytotoxicity caused by A. hydrophila, highlighting that the PBLs incubated with β-Gluc/Sh significantly increased the non-specific immune response, such as phagocytic activity, respiratory burst, nitric oxide and peroxidase activities followed by an increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities after 12 and 24 h post-stimulation and after challenge with the pathogen. Regarding induction of antioxidant gene expression, it was more pronounced in stimulated β-Gluc/Sh leucocytes compared to other groups at all experimental times of the trial and after bacterial challenge. Indeed, our results clearly showed the ability of leucocytes to strongly react to β-Gluc/Sh with an increase in cytokine gene expression, particularly the IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-17 genes. These results confirm that S. halophilus yeast-derived β-glucan, isolated from an extreme marine environment, is beneficial for increasing innate immune response and enhancing resistance against A. hydrophila in vitro.