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Kwakye-Nuako G, Middleton CE, McCall LI. Small molecule mediators of host-T. cruzi-environment interactions in Chagas disease. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012012. [PMID: 38457443 PMCID: PMC10923493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Small molecules (less than 1,500 Da) include major biological signals that mediate host-pathogen-microbiome communication. They also include key intermediates of metabolism and critical cellular building blocks. Pathogens present with unique nutritional needs that restrict pathogen colonization or promote tissue damage. In parallel, parts of host metabolism are responsive to immune signaling and regulated by immune cascades. These interactions can trigger both adaptive and maladaptive metabolic changes in the host, with microbiome-derived signals also contributing to disease progression. In turn, targeting pathogen metabolic needs or maladaptive host metabolic changes is an important strategy to develop new treatments for infectious diseases. Trypanosoma cruzi is a single-celled eukaryotic pathogen and the causative agent of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease associated with cardiac and intestinal dysfunction. Here, we discuss the role of small molecules during T. cruzi infection in its vector and in the mammalian host. We integrate these findings to build a theoretical interpretation of how maladaptive metabolic changes drive Chagas disease and extrapolate on how these findings can guide drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin Kwakye-Nuako
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Caitlyn E. Middleton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
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Gabaldón-Figueira JC, Martinez-Peinado N, Escabia E, Ros-Lucas A, Chatelain E, Scandale I, Gascon J, Pinazo MJ, Alonso-Padilla J. State-of-the-Art in the Drug Discovery Pathway for Chagas Disease: A Framework for Drug Development and Target Validation. Res Rep Trop Med 2023; 14:1-19. [PMID: 37337597 PMCID: PMC10277022 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s415273] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is the most important protozoan infection in the Americas, and constitutes a significant public health concern throughout the world. Development of new medications against its etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, has been traditionally slow and difficult, lagging in comparison with diseases caused by other kinetoplastid parasites. Among the factors that explain this are the incompletely understood mechanisms of pathogenesis of T. cruzi infection and its complex set of interactions with the host in the chronic stage of the disease. These demand the performance of a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays as part of any drug development effort. In this review, we discuss recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the parasite's life cycle and their implications in the search for new chemotherapeutics. For this, we present a framework to guide drug discovery efforts against Chagas disease, considering state-of-the-art preclinical models and recently developed tools for the identification and validation of molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Escabia
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Ros-Lucas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Pinazo
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Coelho FS, Oliveira MM, Vieira DP, Torres PHM, Moreira ICF, Martins-Duarte ES, Gonçalves IC, Cabanelas A, Pascutti PG, Fragoso SP, Lopes AH. A novel receptor for platelet-activating factor and lysophosphatidylcholine in Trypanosoma cruzi. Mol Microbiol 2021; 116:890-908. [PMID: 34184334 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The lipid mediators, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), play relevant pathophysiological roles in Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Several species of LPC, including C18:1 LPC, which mimics the effects of PAF, are synthesized by T. cruzi. The present study identified a receptor in T. cruzi, which was predicted to bind to PAF, and found it to be homologous to members of the progestin and adiponectin family of receptors (PAQRs). We constructed a three-dimensional model of the T. cruzi PAQR (TcPAQR) and performed molecular docking to predict the interactions of the TcPAQR model with C16:0 PAF and C18:1 LPC. We knocked out T. cruzi PAQR (TcPAQR) gene and confirmed the identity of the expressed protein through immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays using an anti-human PAQR antibody. Wild-type and knockout (KO) parasites were also used to investigate the in vitro cell differentiation and interactions with peritoneal mouse macrophages; TcPAQR KO parasites were unable to react to C16:0 PAF or C18:1 LPC. Our data are highly suggestive that PAF and LPC act through TcPAQR in T. cruzi, triggering its cellular differentiation and ability to infect macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe S Coelho
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauricio M Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro H M Torres
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabel C F Moreira
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Erica S Martins-Duarte
- Departmento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Inês C Gonçalves
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana Cabanelas
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro G Pascutti
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stenio P Fragoso
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Sistêmica de Tripanossomatídeos, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Angela H Lopes
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Abstract
The cellular membranes of Trypanosoma cruzi, like all eukaryotes, contain varying amounts of phospholipids, sphingolipids, neutral lipids and sterols. A multitude of pathways exist for the de novo synthesis of these lipid families but Trypanosoma cruzi has also become adapted to scavenge some of these lipids from the host. Completion of the TriTryp genomes has led to the identification of many putative genes involved in lipid synthesis, revealing some interesting differences to higher eukaryotes. Although many enzymes involved in lipid synthesis have yet to be characterised, completed experiments have shown the indispensability of some lipid metabolic pathways. Furthermore, the bioactive lipids of Trypanosoma cruzi and their effects on the host are becoming increasingly studied. Further studies on lipid metabolism in Trypanosoma cruzi will no doubt reveal some attractive targets for therapeutic intervention as well as reveal the interplay between parasite lipids, host response and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh-Ann Booth
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9ST, United Kingdom
| | - Terry K Smith
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland, KY16 9ST, United Kingdom.
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Dib PRB, Quirino-Teixeira AC, Merij LB, Pinheiro MBM, Rozini SV, Andrade FB, Hottz ED. Innate immune receptors in platelets and platelet-leukocyte interactions. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1157-1182. [PMID: 32779243 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4mr0620-701r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [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: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelets are chief cells in hemostasis. Apart from their hemostatic roles, platelets are major inflammatory effector cells that can influence both innate and adaptive immune responses. Activated platelets have thromboinflammatory functions linking hemostatic and immune responses in several physiological and pathological conditions. Among many ways in which platelets exert these functions, platelet expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including TLR, Nod-like receptor, and C-type lectin receptor families, plays major roles in sensing and responding to pathogen-associated or damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs, respectively). In this review, an increasing body of evidence is compiled showing the participation of platelet innate immune receptors, including PRRs, in infectious diseases, sterile inflammation, and cancer. How platelet recognition of endogenous DAMPs participates in sterile inflammatory diseases and thrombosis is discussed. In addition, platelet recognition of both PAMPs and DAMPs initiates platelet-mediated inflammation and vascular thrombosis in infectious diseases, including viral, bacterial, and parasite infections. The study also focuses on the involvement of innate immune receptors in platelet activation during cancer, and their contribution to tumor microenvironment development and metastasis. Finally, how innate immune receptors participate in platelet communication with leukocytes, modulating leukocyte-mediated inflammation and immune functions, is highlighted. These cell communication processes, including platelet-induced release of neutrophil extracellular traps, platelet Ag presentation to T-cells and platelet modulation of monocyte cytokine secretion are discussed in the context of infectious and sterile diseases of major concern in human health, including cardiovascular diseases, dengue, HIV infection, sepsis, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Ribeiro Braga Dib
- Laboratory of Immunothrombosis, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil.,Laboratory of Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Obesity, Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Anna Cecíllia Quirino-Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunothrombosis, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Laura Botelho Merij
- Laboratory of Immunothrombosis, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Mariana Brandi Mendonça Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Immunothrombosis, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Stephane Vicente Rozini
- Laboratory of Immunothrombosis, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Brandi Andrade
- Laboratory of Immunothrombosis, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Eugenio Damaceno Hottz
- Laboratory of Immunothrombosis, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
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Chagas-Lima AC, Pereira MG, Fampa P, Lima MS, Kluck GEG, Atella GC. Bioactive lipids regulate Trypanosoma cruzi development. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2609-2619. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06331-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Alves-Ferreira EVC, Toledo JS, De Oliveira AHC, Ferreira TR, Ruy PC, Pinzan CF, Santos RF, Boaventura V, Rojo D, López-Gonzálvez Á, Rosa JC, Barbas C, Barral-Netto M, Barral A, Cruz AK. Differential Gene Expression and Infection Profiles of Cutaneous and Mucosal Leishmania braziliensis Isolates from the Same Patient. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004018. [PMID: 26366580 PMCID: PMC4569073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis is a complex disease in which clinical outcome depends on factors such as parasite species, host genetics and immunity and vector species. In Brazil, Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is a major etiological agent of cutaneous (CL) and mucosal leishmaniasis (MCL), a disfiguring form of the disease, which occurs in ~10% of L. braziliensis-infected patients. Thus, clinical isolates from patients with CL and MCL may be a relevant source of information to uncover parasite factors contributing to pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated two pairs of L. (V.) braziliensis isolates from mucosal (LbrM) and cutaneous (LbrC) sites of the same patient to identify factors distinguishing parasites that migrate from those that remain at the primary site of infection. Methodology/Principal Findings We observed no major genomic divergences among the clinical isolates by molecular karyotype and genomic sequencing. RT-PCR revealed that the isolates lacked Leishmania RNA virus (LRV). However, the isolates exhibited distinct in vivo pathogenesis in BALB/c mice; the LbrC isolates were more virulent than the LbrM isolates. Metabolomic analysis revealed significantly increased levels of 14 metabolites in LbrC parasites and 31 metabolites in LbrM parasites that were mainly related to inflammation and chemotaxis. A proteome comparative analysis revealed the overexpression of LbrPGF2S (prostaglandin f2-alpha synthase) and HSP70 in both LbrC isolates. Overexpression of LbrPGF2S in LbrC and LbrM promastigotes led to an increase in infected macrophages and the number of amastigotes per cell at 24–48 h post-infection (p.i.). Conclusions/Significance Despite sharing high similarity at the genome structure and ploidy levels, the parasites exhibited divergent expressed genomes. The proteome and metabolome results indicated differential profiles between the cutaneous and mucosal isolates, primarily related to inflammation and chemotaxis. BALB/c infection revealed that the cutaneous isolates were more virulent than the mucosal parasites. Furthermore, our data suggest that the LbrPGF2S protein is a candidate to contribute to parasite virulence profiles in the mammalian host. Leishmaniasis is a critical public health problem worldwide. The clinical outcome of leishmaniasis depends on the infecting parasite species, host genetics and immune response and insect species. Leishmania braziliensis is a major etiological agent of cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis in Brazil. Fewer than 10% of L. braziliensis-infected patients with CL develop the mucosal form (a severe clinical manifestation). The small number of parasites in the mucosae increases the difficulty of obtaining clinical isolates, and parasite samples are frequently derived from individuals with different genetic backgrounds. Therefore, clinical isolates from cutaneous and mucosal sites from the same patient represent unique tools to understand parasite factors that contribute to disease outcome and pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated parasite factors involved in disease progression using two pairs of L. (V.) braziliensis isolates from mucosal (LbrM) and cutaneous (LbrC) sites of the same patient. In conclusion, the murine infection and proteome and metabolome data suggest that the differences between the cutaneous and mucosal isolates are mainly related to inflammation and chemotaxis. Our data also suggest that the LbrPGF2S protein plays a role in parasite virulence in the mammalian host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza V. C. Alves-Ferreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Juliano S. Toledo
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Interacciones y Bioanálisis (UMIB), Universidad CEU San Pablo, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arthur H. C. De Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Tiago R. Ferreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Patricia C. Ruy
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Camila F. Pinzan
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Ramon F. Santos
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Viviane Boaventura
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz (CPqGM)—Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
| | - David Rojo
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Interacciones y Bioanálisis (UMIB), Universidad CEU San Pablo, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángelez López-Gonzálvez
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Interacciones y Bioanálisis (UMIB), Universidad CEU San Pablo, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose C. Rosa
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Coral Barbas
- Centro de Metabolómica y Bioanálisis (CEMBIO), Interacciones y Bioanálisis (UMIB), Universidad CEU San Pablo, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manoel Barral-Netto
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz (CPqGM)—Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
| | - Aldina Barral
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz (CPqGM)—Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
| | - Angela K. Cruz
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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Moreno-rodríguez A, Salazar-schettino PM, Bautista JL, Hernández-luis F, Torrens H, Guevara-gómez Y, Pina-canseco S, Torres MB, Cabrera-bravo M, Martinez CM, Pérez-campos E. In vitro antiparasitic activity of new thiosemicarbazones in strains of Trypanosoma cruzi. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 87:23-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Gazos-Lopes F, Oliveira MM, Hoelz LVB, Vieira DP, Marques AF, Nakayasu ES, Gomes MT, Salloum NG, Pascutti PG, Souto-Padrón T, Monteiro RQ, Lopes AH, Almeida IC. Structural and functional analysis of a platelet-activating lysophosphatidylcholine of Trypanosoma cruzi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3077. [PMID: 25101628 PMCID: PMC4125143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of the life-threatening Chagas disease, in which increased platelet aggregation related to myocarditis is observed. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent intercellular lipid mediator and second messenger that exerts its activity through a PAF-specific receptor (PAFR). Previous data from our group suggested that T. cruzi synthesizes a phospholipid with PAF-like activity. The structure of T. cruzi PAF-like molecule, however, remains elusive. Methodology/Principal findings Here, we have purified and structurally characterized the putative T. cruzi PAF-like molecule by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Our ESI-MS/MS data demonstrated that the T. cruzi PAF-like molecule is actually a lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), namely sn-1 C18:1(delta 9)-LPC. Similar to PAF, the platelet-aggregating activity of C18:1-LPC was abrogated by the PAFR antagonist, WEB 2086. Other major LPC species, i.e., C16:0-, C18:0-, and C18:2-LPC, were also characterized in all T. cruzi stages. These LPC species, however, failed to induce platelet aggregation. Quantification of T. cruzi LPC species by ESI-MS revealed that intracellular amastigote and trypomastigote forms have much higher levels of C18:1-LPC than epimastigote and metacyclic trypomastigote forms. C18:1-LPC was also found to be secreted by the parasite in extracellular vesicles (EV) and an EV-free fraction. A three-dimensional model of PAFR was constructed and a molecular docking study was performed to predict the interactions between the PAFR model and PAF, and each LPC species. Molecular docking data suggested that, contrary to other LPC species analyzed, C18:1-LPC is predicted to interact with the PAFR model in a fashion similar to PAF. Conclusions/Significance Taken together, our data indicate that T. cruzi synthesizes a bioactive C18:1-LPC, which aggregates platelets via PAFR. We propose that C18:1-LPC might be an important lipid mediator in the progression of Chagas disease and its biosynthesis could eventually be exploited as a potential target for new therapeutic interventions. Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, was exclusively confined to Latin America but it has recently spread to other regions of the world. Chagas disease affects 8–10 million people and kills thousands of them every year. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is a major bioactive phospholipid of human plasma low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid similar to LPC and a potent intercellular mediator. Both PAF and LPC have been reported to act on mammalian cells through PAF receptor (PAFR). Previous data from our group suggested that T. cruzi produces a phospholipid with PAF activity. Here, we describe the structural and functional analysis of different species of LPC from T. cruzi, including a LPC with a fatty acid chain of 18 carbon atoms and one double bond (C18:1-LPC). We also show that C18:1-LPC is able to induce rabbit platelet aggregation, which is abrogated by a PAFR antagonist. In addition, a three-dimensional model of human PAFR was constructed. Contrary to other T. cruzi LPC molecules, C18:1-LPC is predicted to interact with the PAFR model in a fashion similar to PAF. Further studies are needed to validate the biosynthesis of T. cruzi C18:1-LPC as a potential drug target in Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Gazos-Lopes
- The Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mauricio M. Oliveira
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco I, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucas V. B. Hoelz
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco G, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Danielle P. Vieira
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco I, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre F. Marques
- The Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas, United States of America
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ernesto S. Nakayasu
- The Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Marta T. Gomes
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco I, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco H, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nasim G. Salloum
- The Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pedro G. Pascutti
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco G, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thaïs Souto-Padrón
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco I, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Robson Q. Monteiro
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco H, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Angela H. Lopes
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco I, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail: (AHL); (ICA)
| | - Igor C. Almeida
- The Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AHL); (ICA)
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10
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Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite. Chagas disease remains a serious health problem in large parts of Mexico and Central and South America, where it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This disease is being increasingly recognized in non-endemic regions due to immigration. Heart disease develops in 10-30% of infected individuals. It is increasingly clear that parasite- and host-derived bioactive lipids potently modulate disease progression. Many of the changes that occur during acute and chronic Chagas disease can be accounted for by the effects of arachidonic acid (AA)-derived lipids such as leukotrienes, lipoxins, H(P)ETEs, prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxane. During the course of infection with T. cruzi, changes in circulating levels of AA metabolites are observed. Antagonism of PG synthesis with cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors has both beneficial and adverse effects. Treatment with COX inhibitors during acute infection may result in increased parasite load and mortality. However, treatment instituted during chronic infection may be beneficial with no increase in mortality and substantial improvement with cardiac function. Recently, T. cruzi infection of mice deficient in AA biosynthetic enzymes for various pathways has yielded more insightful data than pharmacological inhibition and has highlighted the potential deleterious effects of inhibitors due to "off-target" actions. Using COX-1 null mice, it was observed that parasite biosynthesis is dependent upon host metabolism, that the majority of TXA(2) liberated during T. cruzi infection is derived from the parasite and that this molecule may act as a quorum sensor to control parasite growth/differentiation. Thus, eicosanoids present during acute infection may act as immunomodulators aiding the transition to, and maintenance of, the chronic stage of the disease. It is also likely that the same mediators that initially function to ensure host survival may later contribute to cardiovascular damage. Collectively, the eicosanoids represent a new series of targets for therapy in Chagas disease with defined potential therapeutic windows in which to apply these agents for greatest effect. A deeper understanding of the mechanism of action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may provide clues to the differences between host responses in acute and chronic T. cruzi infection.
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11
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Kawano DF, Silva VBD, Jorge DMDM, Silva CHTDPD, Carvalho I. Search for a platelet-activating factor receptor in the Trypanosoma cruzi proteome: a potential target for Chagas disease chemotherapy. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2011; 106:957-67. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762011000800010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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12
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Chatzovoulos P, Tsoupras A, Samiotaki M, Panayotou G, Demopoulos C, Dotsika E. Paf-Metabolic Enzymes and Paf-like Activity in L. Infantum and L. Major Promastigotes. EUR J INFLAMM 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x1100900303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania spp are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites of the mononuclear phagocyte system that cause a spectrum of diseases known as leishmaniasis. Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) and some PAF-antagonists seem to play a key role in Leishmania infection. In this article we detected for the first time the specific activities of PAF basic metabolic enzymes, PAF cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT) and Lyso-PAF-acetylotransferase (Lyso-PAF-AT), in two species of Leishmania, namely Leishmania major (L. major) and Leishmania infantum (L. infantum). Specific activity of PAF-CPT of L. major homogenates was substantially higher than that of L. infantum homogenates, while Lyso-PAF-AT specific activities of the homogenates of both species were detected in the same levels. In addition, PAF-like molecules were detected in cells and their culture medium of both species. These results show that PAF-biosynthesis exists and varies between Leishmania species, findings that are in correlation with the general idea that the presence of PAF in several Leishmania species is implicated in Leishmania infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Chatzovoulos
- Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
| | - A.B. Tsoupras
- Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
| | - M. Samiotaki
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory B.S.R.C. “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Athens
| | - G. Panayotou
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory B.S.R.C. “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Athens
| | - C.A. Demopoulos
- Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
| | - E. Dotsika
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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13
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Garcia ES, Genta FA, de Azambuja P, Schaub GA. Interactions between intestinal compounds of triatomines and Trypanosoma cruzi. Trends Parasitol 2011; 26:499-505. [PMID: 20801082 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Revised: 07/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Triatomine bugs are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, a devastating disease that disables and leads to the death of many people in Latin America. In this review, factors from the insect vector are described, including digestive enzymes, hemolysins, agglutinins, microbiota and especially antimicrobial factors, which are potentially involved in regulating the development of T. cruzi in the gut. Differential regulation of parasite populations shows that some triatomine defense reactions discriminate not only between molecular signals specific for trypanosome infections but also between different strains of T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloi S Garcia
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, CEP, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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14
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Zimmermann LT, Folly E, Gomes MT, Alviano DS, Alviano CS, Silva-filho FC, Atella GC, Lopes AH. Effects of platelet-activating factor on the interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi with Rhodnius prolixus. Parasitol Res 2011; 108:1473-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2194-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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Dutra PM, Vieira DP, Meyer-Fernandes JR, Silva-Neto MA, Lopes AH. Stimulation of Leishmania tropica protein kinase CK2 activities by platelet-activating factor (PAF). Acta Trop 2009; 111:247-54. [PMID: 19433049 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2008] [Revised: 03/29/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania tropica is one of the causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid mediator in diverse biological and pathophysiological processes. Here we show that PAF promoted a three-fold increase on ecto-protein kinase and a three-fold increase on the secreted kinase activity of L. tropica live promastigotes. When casein was added to the reaction medium, along with PAF, there was a four-fold increase on the ecto-kinase activity. When live L. tropica promastigotes were pre-incubated for 30 min in the presence of PAF-plus casein, a six-fold increase on the secreted kinase activity was observed. Also, a protein released from L. tropica promastigotes reacted with polyclonal antibodies for the mammalian CK2 alpha catalytic subunit. Furthermore, in vitro mouse macrophage infection by L. tropica was doubled when promastigotes were pre-treated for 2 h with PAF. Similar results were obtained when the interaction was performed in the presence of purified CK2 or casein. TBB and DRB, CK2 inhibitors, reversed PAF enhancement of macrophage infection by L. tropica. WEB 2086, a competitive PAF antagonist, reversed all PAF effects here described. This study shows for the first time that PAF promotes the activation of two isoforms of CK2, secreted and membrane-bound, correlating these activities to infection of mouse macrophages.
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16
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Mesquita RD, Carneiro AB, Bafica A, Gazos-Lopes F, Takiya CM, Souto-Padron T, Vieira DP, Ferreira-Pereira A, Almeida IC, Figueiredo RT, Porto BN, Bozza MT, Graça-Souza AV, Lopes AHCS, Atella GC, Silva-Neto MAC. Trypanosoma cruzi infection is enhanced by vector saliva through immunosuppressant mechanisms mediated by lysophosphatidylcholine. Infect Immun 2008; 76:5543-52. [PMID: 18794282 PMCID: PMC2583594 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00683-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2008] [Revised: 07/12/2008] [Accepted: 09/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, is transmitted by bug feces deposited on human skin during a blood meal. However, parasite infection occurs through the wound produced by insect mouthparts. Saliva of the Triatominae bug Rhodnius prolixus is a source of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Here, we tested the role of both triatomine saliva and LPC on parasite transmission. We show that vector saliva is a powerful inducer of cell chemotaxis. A massive number of inflammatory cells were found at the sites where LPC or saliva was inoculated into the skin of mice. LPC is a known chemoattractant for monocytes, but neutrophil recruitment induced by saliva is LPC independent. The preincubation of peritoneal macrophages with saliva or LPC increased fivefold the association of T. cruzi with these cells. Moreover, saliva and LPC block nitric oxide production by T. cruzi-exposed macrophages. The injection of saliva or LPC into mouse skin in the presence of the parasite induces an up-to-sixfold increase in blood parasitemia. Together, our data suggest that saliva of the Triatominae enhances T. cruzi transmission and that some of its biological effects are attributed to LPC. This is a demonstration that a vector-derived lysophospholipid may act as an enhancing factor of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael D Mesquita
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, 21940-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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17
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Bernardes LSC, Kato MJ, Albuquerque S, Carvalho I. Synthesis and trypanocidal activity of 1,4-bis-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-phenyl)-1,4-butanediol and 1,4-bis-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,4-butanediol. Bioorg Med Chem 2006; 14:7075-82. [PMID: 16908164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2006.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 05/12/2006] [Revised: 06/23/2006] [Accepted: 07/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chagas' disease is endemic in Central and South American countries. Specific chemotherapy with nifurtimox or benznidazole has been recommended for treatment of recent infection but they have limited efficacy. The natural products veraguensin (1) and grandisin (2) have shown potent in vitro activity against trypomastigote parasite (Y strain) with IC(50) 2.3 microM (1) and 3.7 microM (2). We report herein the synthesis and in vitro trypanocidal evaluation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical 1,4-diaryl-1,4-diol derivatives as potential trypanocidal analogs of natural compounds 1 and 2. Among the synthesized products, compounds 1,4-bis-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1,4-butanediol (6a) and 1,4-bis-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,4-butanediol (6b) showed better activity against Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes with IC(50) 100 and 105 microM (Y strain), respectively, and 110 microM (Bolivia strain) for both compounds. However, the most active compound of this series was 1,4-bis-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)butane-1,4-dione (7b) with IC(50) 10 and 200 microM against Y and Bolivia strains, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Sibelle Campos Bernardes
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
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