1
|
dos Reis TF, Diehl C, Pinzan CF, de Castro PA, Goldman GH. Brilacidin, a host defense peptide mimetic, potentiates ibrexafungerp antifungal activity against the human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. bioRxiv 2024:2024.04.05.588305. [PMID: 38617338 PMCID: PMC11014541 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.05.588305] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the primary etiological agent of aspergillosis. Here, we show that the host defense peptide mimetic, brilacidin (BRI) can potentiate ibrexafungerp (IBX) against clinical isolates of A. fumigatus. CAS-resistant strains with mutations in fks1 that encodes the 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase are not IBX-resistant and BRI+IBX can inhibit their growth. The combination of BRI+IBX plays a fungicidal role, increases the fungal cell permeability and decreases the fungal survival in the presence of A549 epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaila Fernanda dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Diehl
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rinker DC, Sauters TJC, Steffen K, Gumilang A, Raja HA, Rangel-Grimaldo M, Pinzan CF, de Castro PA, dos Reis TF, Delbaje E, Houbraken J, Goldman GH, Oberlies NH, Rokas A. Strain heterogeneity in a non-pathogenic fungus highlights factors contributing to virulence. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.08.583994. [PMID: 38496489 PMCID: PMC10942418 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.583994] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens exhibit extensive strain heterogeneity, including variation in virulence. Whether closely related non-pathogenic species also exhibit strain heterogeneity remains unknown. Here, we comprehensively characterized the pathogenic potentials (i.e., the ability to cause morbidity and mortality) of 16 diverse strains of Aspergillus fischeri, a non-pathogenic close relative of the major pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. In vitro immune response assays and in vivo virulence assays using a mouse model of pulmonary aspergillosis showed that A. fischeri strains varied widely in their pathogenic potential. Furthermore, pangenome analyses suggest that A. fischeri genomic and phenotypic diversity is even greater. Genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic profiling identified several pathways and secondary metabolites associated with variation in virulence. Notably, strain virulence was associated with the simultaneous presence of the secondary metabolites hexadehydroastechrome and gliotoxin. We submit that examining the pathogenic potentials of non-pathogenic close relatives is key for understanding the origins of fungal pathogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David C. Rinker
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Thomas J. C. Sauters
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Karin Steffen
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Adiyantara Gumilang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Huzefa A. Raja
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Manuel Rangel-Grimaldo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaila Fernanda dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Endrews Delbaje
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jos Houbraken
- Food and Indoor Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciencias Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicholas H. Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences and Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Carnero LCG, Dos Reis TF, Diehl C, de Castro PA, Pontes L, Pinzan CF, Goldman GH. Milteforan, a promising veterinary commercial product against feline sporotrichosis. bioRxiv 2024:2024.02.14.580352. [PMID: 38405873 PMCID: PMC10888911 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.14.580352] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Sporotrichosis, the cutaneous mycosis most commonly reported in Latin America, is caused by the Sporothrix clinical clade species, including Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto. In Brazil, S. brasiliensis represents a vital health threat to humans and domestic animals due to its zoonotic transmission. Itraconazole, terbinafine, and amphotericin B are the most used antifungals for treating sporotrichosis. However, many strains of S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii have shown resistance to these agents, highlighting the importance of finding new therapeutic options. Here, we demonstrate that milteforan, a commercial veterinary product against dog leishmaniasis whose active principle is miltefosine, is a possible therapeutic alternative for the treatment of sporotrichosis, as observed by its fungicidal activity in vitro against different strains of S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii, and by its antifungal activity when used to treat infected epithelial cells and macrophages. Our results suggest milteforan as a possible alternative to treat feline sporotrichosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura C García Carnero
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Thaila F Dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Diehl
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Patricia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lais Pontes
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alves de Castro P, Figueiredo Pinzan C, Dos Reis TF, Valero C, Van Rhijn N, Menegatti C, de Freitas Migliorini IL, Bromley M, Fleming AB, Traynor AM, Sarikaya-Bayram Ö, Bayram Ö, Malavazi I, Ebel F, Barbosa JCJ, Fill T, Pupo MT, Goldman GH. Aspergillus fumigatus mitogen-activated protein kinase MpkA is involved in gliotoxin production and self-protection. Nat Commun 2024; 15:33. [PMID: 38167253 PMCID: PMC10762094 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44329-1] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic fungus that can cause a variety of human diseases known as aspergillosis. Mycotoxin gliotoxin (GT) production is important for its virulence and must be tightly regulated to avoid excess production and toxicity to the fungus. GT self-protection by GliT oxidoreductase and GtmA methyltransferase activities is related to the subcellular localization of these enzymes and how GT can be sequestered from the cytoplasm to avoid increased cell damage. Here, we show that GliT:GFP and GtmA:GFP are localized in the cytoplasm and in vacuoles during GT production. The Mitogen-Activated Protein kinase MpkA is essential for GT production and self-protection, interacts physically with GliT and GtmA and it is necessary for their regulation and subsequent presence in the vacuoles. The sensor histidine kinase SlnASln1 is important for modulation of MpkA phosphorylation. Our work emphasizes the importance of MpkA and compartmentalization of cellular events for GT production and self-defense.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Thaila Fernanda Dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Clara Valero
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Norman Van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Menegatti
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Michael Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair B Fleming
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aimee M Traynor
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - Özgür Bayram
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
| | - Iran Malavazi
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frank Ebel
- Institut für Infektionsmedizin und Zoonosen, Medizinische Fakultät, LMU, 80539, München, Germany
| | | | - Taícia Fill
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Monica Tallarico Pupo
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wassano NS, da Silva GB, Reis AH, Gerhardt JA, Antoniel EP, Akiyama D, Rezende CP, Neves LX, Vasconcelos E, Figueiredo FL, Almeida F, de Castro PA, Pinzan CF, Goldman GH, Leme AFP, Fill TP, Moretti NS, Damasio A. Deacetylation by sirtuins is important for Aspergillus fumigatus pathogenesis and virulence. bioRxiv 2023:2023.09.25.558961. [PMID: 37808717 PMCID: PMC10557594 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.558961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein acetylation is a crucial post-translational modification that controls gene expression and a variety of biological processes. Sirtuins, a prominent class of NAD + -dependent lysine deacetylases, serve as key regulators of protein acetylation and gene expression in eukaryotes. In this study, six single knockout strains of fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus were constructed, in addition to a strain lacking all predicted sirtuins (SIRTKO). Phenotypic assays suggest that sirtuins are involved in cell wall integrity, secondary metabolite production, thermotolerance, and virulence. AfsirE deletion resulted in attenuation of virulence, as demonstrated in murine and Galleria infection models. The absence of AfSirE leads to altered acetylation status of proteins, including histones and non-histones, resulting in significant changes in the expression of genes associated with secondary metabolism, cell wall biosynthesis, and virulence factors. These findings encourage testing sirtuin inhibitors as potential therapeutic strategies to combat A. fumigatus infections or in combination therapy with available antifungals.
Collapse
|
6
|
Valero C, Pinzan CF, de Castro PA, van Rhijn N, Earle K, Liu H, Horta MAC, Kniemeyer O, Krüger T, Pschibul A, Coemert DN, Heinekamp T, Brakhage AA, Steenwyk JL, Mead ME, Rokas A, Filler SG, da Rosa-Garzon NG, Cabral H, Deljabe E, Bromley MJ, Angeli CB, Palmisano G, Ibrahim AS, Gago S, Dos Reis TF, Goldman GH. A phylogenetic approach to explore the Aspergillus fumigatus conidial surface-associated proteome and its role in pathogenesis. bioRxiv 2023:2023.08.22.553365. [PMID: 37662192 PMCID: PMC10473670 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.22.553365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus , an important pulmonary fungal pathogen causing several diseases collectively called aspergillosis, relies on asexual spores or conidia for initiating host infection. Here, we used a phylogenomic approach to compare proteins in the conidial surface of A. fumigatus , two closely related non-pathogenic species, Aspergillus fischeri and Aspergillus oerlinghausenensis , and the cryptic pathogen Aspergillus lentulus . After identifying 62 proteins uniquely expressed on the A. fumigatus conidial surface, we deleted 42 genes encoding conidial proteins. We found deletion of 33 of these genes altered susceptibility to macrophage killing, penetration and damage to epithelial cells, and cytokine production. Notably, a gene that encodes glycosylasparaginase, which modulates levels of the host pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, is important for infection in an immunocompetent murine model of fungal disease. These results suggest that A. fumigatus conidial surface proteins and effectors are important for evasion and modulation of the immune response at the onset of fungal infection.
Collapse
|
7
|
Campagnaro GD, Lorenzon LB, Rodrigues MA, Defina TPA, Pinzan CF, Ferreira TR, Cruz AK. Overexpression of Leishmania major protein arginine methyltransferase 6 reduces parasite infectivity in vivo. Acta Trop 2023; 244:106959. [PMID: 37257676 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106959] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Arginine methylation is catalysed by Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMTs) and can affect how a target protein functions and how it interacts with other macromolecules, which in turn impacts on cell metabolism and gene expression control. Leishmania parasites express five different PRMTs, and although the presence of each individual PRMT is not essential per se, the imbalanced activity of these PRMTs can impact the virulence of Leishmania parasites in vitro and in vivo. Here we created a Leishmania major cell line overexpressing PRMT6 and show that similar to what was observed for the T. brucei homologous enzyme, L. major PRMT6 probably has a narrow substrate range. However, its overexpression notably impairs the infection in mice, with a mild reduction in the number of viable parasites in the lymph nodes. Our results indicate that arginine methylation by LmjPRMT6 plays a significant role in the adaptation of the parasite to the environment found in the mammalian host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Daniel Campagnaro
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Bigolin Lorenzon
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mateus Augusto Rodrigues
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tânia Paula Aquino Defina
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tiago Rodrigues Ferreira
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angela Kaysel Cruz
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
de Castro PA, Pinzan CF, Dos Reis TF, Valero C, Van Rhijn N, Menegatti C, de Freitas Migliorini IL, Bromley M, Trentin G, Almeida F, Fleming AB, Traynor AM, Sarikaya-Bayram Ö, Bayram O, Malavazi I, Ebel F, Barbosa JCJ, Fill T, Pupo MT, Goldman GH. Vacuoles and peroxisomes are involved in Aspergillus fumigatus gliotoxin production and self-protection. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-2966047. [PMID: 37398048 PMCID: PMC10312964 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2966047/v1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic fungus that can cause a variety of human diseases known as aspergillosis. Mycotoxin gliotoxin (GT) production is important for its virulence and must be tightly regulated to avoid excess production and toxicity to the fungus. GT self-protection by GliT oxidoreductase and GtmA methyltransferase activities is related to the subcellular localization of these enzymes and how GT can be sequestered from the cytoplasm to avoid increased cell damage. Here, we show that GliT:GFP and GtmA:GFP are localized in the cytoplasm and in vacuoles during GT production. Peroxisomes are also required for proper GT production and self-defense. The Mitogen-Activated Protein (MAP) kinase MpkA is essential for GT production and self-protection, interacts physically with GliT and GtmA and it is necessary for their regulation and subsequent presence in the vacuoles. Our work emphasizes the importance of dynamic compartmentalization of cellular events for GT production and self-defense.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Thaila Fernanda Dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Clara Valero
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Norman Van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Menegatti
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Michael Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Trentin
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alastair B Fleming
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aimee M Traynor
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | | | - Ozgur Bayram
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Iran Malavazi
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frank Ebel
- Institut für Infektionsmedizin und Zoonosen, Medizinische Fakultät, LMU, 80539 München, Germany
| | | | - Taícia Fill
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Monica Tallarico Pupo
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dos Reis TF, de Castro PA, Bastos RW, Pinzan CF, Souza PFN, Ackloo S, Hossain MA, Drewry DH, Alkhazraji S, Ibrahim AS, Jo H, Lightfoot JD, Adams EM, Fuller KK, deGrado WF, Goldman GH. A host defense peptide mimetic, brilacidin, potentiates caspofungin antifungal activity against human pathogenic fungi. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2052. [PMID: 37045836 PMCID: PMC10090755 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37573-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections cause more than 1.5 million deaths a year. Due to emerging antifungal drug resistance, novel strategies are urgently needed to combat life-threatening fungal diseases. Here, we identify the host defense peptide mimetic, brilacidin (BRI) as a synergizer with caspofungin (CAS) against CAS-sensitive and CAS-resistant isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, C. auris, and CAS-intrinsically resistant Cryptococcus neoformans. BRI also potentiates azoles against A. fumigatus and several Mucorales fungi. BRI acts in A. fumigatus by affecting cell wall integrity pathway and cell membrane potential. BRI combined with CAS significantly clears A. fumigatus lung infection in an immunosuppressed murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. BRI alone also decreases A. fumigatus fungal burden and ablates disease development in a murine model of fungal keratitis. Our results indicate that combinations of BRI and antifungal drugs in clinical use are likely to improve the treatment outcome of aspergillosis and other fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaila Fernanda Dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafael Wesley Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Visiting professor at Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Suzanne Ackloo
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, MaRS South Tower, Suite 700, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Mohammad Anwar Hossain
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - David Harold Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sondus Alkhazraji
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Ashraf S Ibrahim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Hyunil Jo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Jorge D Lightfoot
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Emily M Adams
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Kevin K Fuller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - William F deGrado
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
da Silva JL, Barbosa LV, Pinzan CF, Nardini V, Brigo IS, Sebastião CA, Elias-Oliveira J, Brazão V, Júnior JCDP, Carlos D, Cardoso CRDB. The Microbiota-Dependent Worsening Effects of Melatonin on Gut Inflammation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020460. [PMID: 36838425 PMCID: PMC9962441 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020460] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysbiosis and disturbances in gut homeostasis may result in dysregulated responses, which are common in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). These conditions may be refractory to the usual treatments and novel therapies are still necessary to reach a more successful regulation of intestinal immunity. The hormone melatonin (MLT) has been raised as a therapeutic alternative because of its known interactions with immune responses and gut microbiota. Hence, we evaluated the effects of MLT in experimental colitis that evolves with intestinal dysbiosis, inflammation and bacterial translocation. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to dextran sulfate sodium and treated with MLT. In acute colitis, the hormone led to increased clinical, systemic and intestinal inflammatory parameters. During remission, continued MLT administration delayed recovery, increased TNF, memory effector lymphocytes and diminished spleen regulatory cells. MLT treatment reduced Bacteroidetes and augmented Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia phyla in mice feces. Microbiota depletion resulted in a remarkable reversion of the colitis phenotype after MLT administration, including a counter-regulatory immune response, reduction in TNF and colon macrophages. There was a decrease in Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and, most strikingly, Verrucomicrobia phylum in recovering mice. Finally, these results pointed to a gut-microbiota-dependent effect of MLT in the potentiation of intestinal inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson Luiz da Silva
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Lia Vezenfard Barbosa
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Viviani Nardini
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Irislene Simões Brigo
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Cássia Aparecida Sebastião
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Elias-Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Vânia Brazão
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - José Clóvis do Prado Júnior
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela Carlos
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristina Ribeiro de Barros Cardoso
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av. do Café, s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+55-(16)-3315-0257; Fax: +55-(16)-3315-4725
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ramos PIP, Cristal JR, Khouri R, Boaventura V, Azevedo LG, Correia TC, Sharma R, Cardoso CRDB, Pinzan CF, de Noronha ALL, Van Weyenbergh J, Queiroz ATLD, de Oliveira CI, Barral-Netto M, Barral A. Selective Suppression of Cellular Immunity and Increased Cytotoxicity in Skin Lesions of Disseminated Leishmaniasis Uncovered by Transcriptome-Wide Analysis. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:2542-2546.e5. [PMID: 33823183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ricardo Khouri
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Viviane Boaventura
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rohit Sharma
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Cristina R de Barros Cardoso
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Johan Van Weyenbergh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Camila I de Oliveira
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil; Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia (iii-INCT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manoel Barral-Netto
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil; Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia (iii-INCT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aldina Barral
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil; Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia (iii-INCT), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
de Oliveira GLV, Oliveira CNS, Pinzan CF, de Salis LVV, Cardoso CRDB. Microbiota Modulation of the Gut-Lung Axis in COVID-19. Front Immunol 2021; 12:635471. [PMID: 33717181 PMCID: PMC7945592 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.635471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [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: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), to date, SARS-CoV-2 has already infected more than 91.8 million people worldwide with 1,986,871 deaths. This virus affects mainly the respiratory system, but the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is also a target, meanwhile SARS-CoV-2 was already detected in oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, rectum, and in fecal samples from COVID-19 patients. Prolonged GIT manifestations in COVID-19, mainly the diarrhea, were correlated with decreased richness and diversity of the gut microbiota, immune deregulation and delayed SARS-CoV-2 clearance. So, the bidirectional interactions between the respiratory mucosa and the gut microbiota, known as gut-lung axis, are supposed to be involved in the healthy or pathologic immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. In accordance, the intestinal dysbiosis is associated with increased mortality in other respiratory infections, due to an exacerbated inflammation and decreased regulatory or anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the lungs and in the gut, pointing to this important relationship between both mucosal compartments. Therefore, since the mucous membranes from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are affected, in addition to dysbiosis and inflammation, it is plausible to assume that adjunctive therapies based on the modulation of the gut microbiota and re-establishment of eubiosis conditions could be an important therapeutic approach for constraining the harmful consequences of COVID-19. Then, in this review, we summarized studies showing the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal system and the related digestive COVID-19 manifestations, in addition to the literature demonstrating nasopharyngeal, pulmonary and intestinal dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients. Lastly, we showed the potential beneficial role of probiotic administration in other respiratory infections, and discuss the possible role of probiotics as an adjunctive therapy in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gislane Lelis Vilela de Oliveira
- Microbiology Program, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil
- Food Engineering and Technology Department, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Camilla Narjara Simão Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Larissa Vedovato Vilela de Salis
- Microbiology Program, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Cristina Ribeiro de Barros Cardoso
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Costa Mendonça-Natividade F, Duque Lopes C, Ricci-Azevedo R, Sardinha-Silva A, Figueiredo Pinzan C, Paiva Alegre-Maller AC, L Nohara L, B Carneiro A, Panunto-Castelo A, C Almeida I, Roque-Barreira MC. Receptor Heterodimerization and Co-Receptor Engagement in TLR2 Activation Induced by MIC1 and MIC4 from Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205001. [PMID: 31658592 PMCID: PMC6829480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The microneme organelles of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites release protein complexes (MICs), including one composed of the transmembrane protein MIC6 plus MIC1 and MIC4. In this complex, carbohydrate recognition domains of MIC1 and MIC4 are exposed and interact with terminal sialic acid and galactose residues, respectively, of host cell glycans. Recently, we demonstrated that MIC1 and MIC4 binding to the N-glycans of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 on phagocytes triggers cell activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Herein, we investigated the requirement for TLR2 heterodimerization and co-receptors in MIC-induced responses, as well as the signaling molecules involved. We used MICs to stimulate macrophages and HEK293T cells transfected with TLR2 and TLR1 or TLR6, both with or without the co-receptors CD14 and CD36. Then, the cell responses were analyzed, including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and cytokine production, which showed that (1) only TLR2, among the studied factors, is crucial for MIC-induced cell activation; (2) TLR2 heterodimerization augments, but is not critical for, activation; (3) CD14 and CD36 enhance the response to MIC stimulus; and (4) MICs activate cells through a transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1)-, mammalian p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38)-, and NF-κB-dependent pathway. Remarkably, among the studied factors, the interaction of MIC1 and MIC4 with TLR2 N-glycans is sufficient to induce cell activation, which promotes host protection against T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Costa Mendonça-Natividade
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto SP 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Carla Duque Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto SP 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Ricci-Azevedo
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto SP 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Aline Sardinha-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto SP 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto SP 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Ana Claudia Paiva Alegre-Maller
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto SP 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Lilian L Nohara
- Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
| | - Alan B Carneiro
- Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Program of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941-599, Brazil.
| | - Ademilson Panunto-Castelo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo USP (FFCLRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto SP 14040-900, Brazil.
| | - Igor C Almeida
- Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto SP 14049-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Almeida F, Sardinha-Silva A, da Silva TA, Pessoni AM, Pinzan CF, Alegre-Maller ACP, Cecílio NT, Moretti NS, Damásio ARL, Pedersoli WR, Mineo JR, Silva RN, Roque-Barreira MC. Toxoplasma gondii Chitinase Induces Macrophage Activation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144507. [PMID: 26659253 PMCID: PMC4684212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite found worldwide that is able to chronically infect almost all vertebrate species, especially birds and mammalians. Chitinases are essential to various biological processes, and some pathogens rely on chitinases for successful parasitization. Here, we purified and characterized a chitinase from T. gondii. The enzyme, provisionally named Tg_chitinase, has a molecular mass of 13.7 kDa and exhibits a Km of 0.34 mM and a Vmax of 2.64. The optimal environmental conditions for enzymatic function were at pH 4.0 and 50 °C. Tg_chitinase was immunolocalized in the cytoplasm of highly virulent T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites, mainly at the apical extremity. Tg_chitinase induced macrophage activation as manifested by the production of high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, a pathogenic hallmark of T. gondii infection. In conclusion, to our knowledge, we describe for the first time a chitinase of T. gondii tachyzoites and provide evidence that this enzyme might influence the pathogenesis of T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fausto Almeida
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brasil
| | - Aline Sardinha-Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brasil
| | - Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brasil
| | - André Moreira Pessoni
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brasil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brasil
| | - Ana Claudia Paiva Alegre-Maller
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brasil
| | - Nerry Tatiana Cecílio
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brasil
| | - Nilmar Silvio Moretti
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - André Ricardo Lima Damásio
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Wellington Ramos Pedersoli
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-900, Brasil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratorio de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Imunologia, Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, MG, 38400 902, Brasil
| | - Roberto Nascimento Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-900, Brasil
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pinzan CF, Sardinha-Silva A, Almeida F, Lai L, Lopes CD, Lourenço EV, Panunto-Castelo A, Matthews S, Roque-Barreira MC. Vaccination with Recombinant Microneme Proteins Confers Protection against Experimental Toxoplasmosis in Mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143087. [PMID: 26575028 PMCID: PMC4648487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [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: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is an important public health problem and veterinary concern. Although there is no vaccine for human toxoplasmosis, many attempts have been made to develop one. Promising vaccine candidates utilize proteins, or their genes, from microneme organelle of T. gondii that are involved in the initial stages of host cell invasion by the parasite. In the present study, we used different recombinant microneme proteins (TgMIC1, TgMIC4, or TgMIC6) or combinations of these proteins (TgMIC1-4 and TgMIC1-4-6) to evaluate the immune response and protection against experimental toxoplasmosis in C57BL/6 mice. Vaccination with recombinant TgMIC1, TgMIC4, or TgMIC6 alone conferred partial protection, as demonstrated by reduced brain cyst burden and mortality rates after challenge. Immunization with TgMIC1-4 or TgMIC1-4-6 vaccines provided the most effective protection, since 70% and 80% of mice, respectively, survived to the acute phase of infection. In addition, these vaccinated mice, in comparison to non-vaccinated ones, showed reduced parasite burden by 59% and 68%, respectively. The protective effect was related to the cellular and humoral immune responses induced by vaccination and included the release of Th1 cytokines IFN-γ and IL-12, antigen-stimulated spleen cell proliferation, and production of antigen-specific serum antibodies. Our results demonstrate that microneme proteins are potential vaccines against T. gondii, since their inoculation prevents or decreases the deleterious effects of the infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline Sardinha-Silva
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Livia Lai
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Duque Lopes
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine Vicente Lourenço
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095–1670, United States of America
| | - Ademilson Panunto-Castelo
- Department of Biology, School of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stephen Matthews
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pinzan CF, Ruas LP, Casabona-Fortunato AS, Carvalho FC, Roque-Barreira MC. Immunological basis for the gender differences in murine Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10757. [PMID: 20505765 PMCID: PMC2873977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010757] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the immunological mechanisms involved in the gender distinct incidence of paracoccidioidomycosis (pcm), an endemic systemic mycosis in Latin America, which is at least 10 times more frequent in men than in women. Then, we compared the immune response of male and female mice to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection, as well as the influence in the gender differences exerted by paracoccin, a P. brasiliensis component with carbohydrate recognition property. High production of Th1 cytokines and T-bet expression have been detected in the paracoccin stimulated cultures of spleen cells from infected female mice. In contrast, in similar experimental conditions, cells from infected males produced higher levels of the Th2 cytokines and expressed GATA-3. Macrophages from male and female mice when stimulated with paracoccin displayed similar phagocytic capability, while fungicidal activity was two times more efficiently performed by macrophages from female mice, a fact that was associated with 50% higher levels of nitric oxide production. In order to evaluate the role of sexual hormones in the observed gender distinction, we have utilized mice that have been submitted to gonadectomy followed by inverse hormonal reconstitution. Spleen cells derived from castrated males reconstituted with estradiol have produced higher levels of IFN-γ (1291±15 pg/mL) and lower levels of IL-10 (494±38 pg/mL), than normal male in response to paracoccin stimulus. In contrast, spleen cells from castrated female mice that had been treated with testosterone produced more IL-10 (1284±36 pg/mL) and less IFN-γ (587±14 pg/mL) than cells from normal female. In conclusion, our results reveal that the sexual hormones had a profound effect on the biology of immune cells, and estradiol favours protective responses to P. brasiliensis infection. In addition, fungal components, such as paracoccin, may provide additional support to the gender dimorphic immunity that marks P. brasiliensis infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Luciana Pereira Ruas
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Fernanda Caroline Carvalho
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Maria-Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|