Recent issues of the biochemistry and molecular biology of Trypanosoma cruzi.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
L R Travassos
Publications and source records attributed to L R Travassos.
Trypanosoma cruzi mucins: potential functions of a complex structure.
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Animals↗
Detection of the basement membrane-degrading proteolytic activity of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis after SDS-PAGE using agarose overlays containing Abz-MKALTLQ-EDDnp.
We have characterized, in the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast phase, an exocellular SH-dependent serine proteinase activity against Abz-MKRLTL-EDDnp and analogous fluorescent-quenched peptides, and showed that it is also active against constituents of the basement membrane in vitro. In the present study, we separated the components of P. brasiliensis culture filtrates by electrophoresis and demonstrated that the serine-thiol exocellular proteinase has a diffuse and heterogeneous migration by SDS-PAGE, localizing in a region between 69 and 43 kDa. The hydrolytic activity was demonstrable after SDS-PAGE using buffered agarose overlays of Abz-MKALTLQ-EDDnp, following incubation at 37 degrees C, and detection of fluorescent bands with a UV transilluminator. Hydrolysis was more intense when incubation was carried out at basic pH, and was completely inhibited with 2.5 mM PMSF and partially with sodium 7-hydroxymercuribenzoate (2.5 mM p-HMB), suggesting its serine-thiol nature. A proteolytic band with similar characteristics was observed in conventional gelatin zymograms, but could not be correlated with a silver-stained component. Detection of the serine-thiol proteinase in substrate gels after SDS-PAGE provides a useful way of monitoring purification of the basement membrane degrading enzyme.
Basement Membrane↗
Biosynthesis of O-N-acetylglucosamine-linked glycans in Trypanosoma cruzi. Characterization of the novel uridine diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine:polypeptide N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-catalyzing formation of N-acetylglucosamine alpha1-->O-threonine.
In this study, we have characterized the activity of a uridine diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine:polypeptide-alpha-N-acetylglucosaminylt ransferase (O-alpha-GlcNAc-transferase) from Trypanosoma cruzi. The activity is present in microsomal membranes and is responsible for the addition of O-linked alpha-N-acetylglucosamine to cell surface proteins. This preparation adds N-acetylglucosamine to a synthetic peptide KPPTTTTTTTTKPP containing the consensus threonine-rich dodecapeptide encoded by T. cruzi MUC gene (Di Noia, J. M., Sánchez D. O., and Frasch, A. C. C. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 24146-24149). Incorporation of N-[3H]acetylglucosamine is linearly dependent on incubation time and concentration of enzyme and substrate. The transferase activity has an optimal pH of 7.5- 8.5, requires Mn2+, is unaffected by tunicamycin or amphomycin, and is strongly inhibited by UDP. The optimized synthetic peptide acceptor for the cytosolic O-GlcNAc-transferase (YSDSPSTST) (Haltiwanger, R. S., Holt, G. D., and Hart, G. W. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 2563-2568) is not a substrate for this enzyme. The glycosylated KPPTTTTTTTTKPP product is susceptible to base-catalyzed beta-elimination, and the presence of N-acetylglucosamine alpha-linked to threonine is supported by enzymatic digestion and nuclear magnetic resonance data. These results describe a unique biosynthetic pathway for T. cruzi surface mucin-like molecules, with potential chemotherapeutic implications.
Acetylglucosamine↗
Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus: expression of chitin at the cell surface.
The expression of chitin as a structural component of Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus was demonstrated by using enzymatic hydrolysis by recombinant (rec-) chitinase, chemical analysis, lectin, fluorescent Calcofluor and antibody binding, glycosidases of known specificity, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and flow cytometry. Chitinous structures were characterized by their insolubility in hot alkali and by releasing glucosamine on hydrolysis with 6 N HCl. N,N'-Diacetylchitobiose and N,N,'N''-triacetylchitotriose were identified by HPLC as enzymatic hydrolysis products of the alkali-resistant polysaccharide. The location of chitin on the surface of T. vaginalis and T. foetus was inferred from the decreased reactivity with whole parasites of ligands such as Lycopersicon esculentum (TOL) and Solanum tuberosum lectins, fluorescent Calcofluor, and anti-chitin antibody, after cell treatment with rec-chitinase. Binding of [125I]TOL showed that, in T. vaginalis and T. foetus, the numbers of lectin receptors per cell were 4.2 x 10(5) and 3.0 x 10(5), respectively. Binding of the lectin to the trichomonad surface was markedly decreased by treatment with rec-chitinase. TOL interaction with the parasites was not affected by N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase treatment, showing that the lectin receptors consisted of beta-linked GlcNAc polymers and not of terminal beta-linked GlcNAc residues.
Animals↗
Mapping of the T-cell epitope in the major 43-kilodalton glycoprotein of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis which induces a Th-1 response protective against fungal infection in BALB/c mice.
The 43-kDa glycoprotein of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the major diagnostic antigen of paracoccidioidomycosis, the prevalent systemic mycosis of Latin America. Apart from eliciting high antibody titers, gp43 is also immunodominant in delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in infected animals and humans. The cellular immune response in mice to gp43 administered in complete Freund's adjuvant involves CD4+ Th-1 lymphocytes, secreting gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) but not IL-4 and IL-10. The T-cell epitope of this antigen was mapped to a 15-amino-acid peptide (P10) based on lymphoproliferations with primed cells from three different haplotypes and on a computer-assisted protein analysis. The structural requirements of the T-cell epitope were determined by assaying a series of P10 analogous and truncated peptides. Only 12-mer or longer sequences were active, confirming presentation by major histocompatibility complex II. The HTLAIR inner core of P10 is the essential domain of the epitope, with various flanking regions possible. Immunization of mice with both gp43 and P10 led to vigorous protection against intratracheal challenge by virulent P. brasiliensis, with a >200-fold decrease in lung CFU and halting of dissemination to the spleen and liver. The protective effect of P10 is mainly attributed to an IFN-gamma-mediated cellular immune response. Unlike gp43, which induces an antibody response compatible with both Th-1 and Th-2 activation in infected BALB/c mice, P10 does not induce a humoral response. Protection by gp43 and P10 was characterized by a few well-demarcated lung granulomas with numerous nonviable yeast forms or resolved lesions with no detectable fungal cells.
Animals↗
Exocellular proteolytic activity of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis: cleavage of components associated with the basement membrane.
We have previously characterized an exocellular serine-thiol proteinase activity in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, using as substrates peptides analogous of the internally quenched fluorogenic peptide Abz-MKRLTL-EDDnp. In this communication, detection of maximal proteinase activity in the culture supernatant fluids followed the abrupt increase in the medium pH, owing to the accumulation of ammonia generated by urease activity. Culture supernatant fluids collected at the peak of proteinase activity against Abz-MRKLTL-EDDnp were able to cleave components of the basal membrane of the extracellular matrix (EM), including laminin, fibronectin, collagen type IV and proteoglycans, and the proteolytic activity was selectively inhibited both by PMSF and p-HMB (sodium 7-hydroxymercuribenzoate), which are also specific inhibitors of the serine-thiol proteinase. Human collagen I, bovine fibrinogen, human immunoglobulin G, BSA or P. brasiliensis gp43 were resistant to proteolysis. The kinetics of appearance of the proteinase activity against EM substrates coincided with that of proteolysis of Abz-MKRLTL-EDDnp. Moreover, chromatographic fractions of culture supernatants containing the serine-thiol proteinase at high specific activity were also active against EM substrates. These data suggest the involvement of this enzyme activity in the degradation of the basement membrane, which is the first step for fungal tissue invasion.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Glycoconjugates isolated from Trypanosoma cruzi but not from Leishmania species membranes trigger nitric oxide synthesis as well as microbicidal activity in IFN-gamma-primed macrophages.
In the present study, we investigated the role of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored mucin-like glycoproteins (GPI-mucins) from Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes in triggering the synthesis of nitric oxide as well as the microbicidal activity in murine macrophages. Our results show that GPI-mucins isolated from trypomastigote membranes are potent inducers of nitric oxide synthesis by IFN-gamma-primed macrophages, even at concentrations as low as 10 ng/ml. Our data also indicate the important role of glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors from GPI-mucins as the second signal responsible for induction of nitric oxide synthesis by macrophages. To further investigate the role of these parasite molecules in inducing parasiticidal function, we cultured macrophages in the presence or absence of trypomastigote GPI-mucins and/or IFN-gamma and then infected these cells with either Leishmania spp. or T. cruzi. IFN-gamma was sufficient to induce microbial activity in macrophages infected with T. cruzi trypomastigotes. In contrast, killing of different species of Leishmania was further enhanced when macrophages exposed to IFN-gamma were also costimulated with trypomastigote-derived GPI-mucins. Our results also indicate that different glycolipids obtained from Leishmania major or Leishmania donovani (i.e., lipophosphoglycans or glycoinositolphospholipids) were unable to potentiate nitric oxide synthesis and/or microbicidal activity displayed by IFN-gamma-primed macrophages.
Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored mucin-like glycoproteins isolated from Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes initiate the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages.
Components of Trypanosoma cruzi able to induce the production of IL-12 and other proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages were identified. Murine inflammatory macrophages were cultured with live parasites or with cellular components from different developmental forms of T. cruzi (i.e., trypomastigotes, amastigotes, metacyclic trypomastigotes, and epimastigotes), and the cytokine levels were measured after 24 and 48 h. Our results indicate that live trypomastigotes or live amastigotes (but not live epimastigotes or live metacyclic trypomastigotes) as well as trypomastigote extracts (but not extracts derived from epimastigotes) induce IL-12 and TNF-alpha synthesis by macrophages. Such biological activity is enhanced in membrane preparations from trypomastigotes. Further enrichment of the trypomastigote-derived monokine-inducing factor was obtained by solvent extraction and hydrophobic-interaction chromatography. The resultant purified molecules are a family of closely related glycoconjugates with predominant species at 70 to 80 and 120 to 200 kDa. These molecules are composed of carbohydrate chains O-linked to a polypeptide backbone that is anchored to the trypomastigote membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol structure. The trypomastigote-derived glycoconjugates are active in inducing cytokine synthesis by macrophages at concentrations of 100 ng/ml. These effects are highly potentiated by IFN-gamma. Mapping of the glycoconjugate molecules to characterize the structural requirements for macrophage activation suggested that nonsaturated acyl fatty acid chains and periodate-sensitive units from the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor are important elements for the infective trypomastigote form to initiate cytokine synthesis by macrophages.
Animals↗
A highly sensitive and specific chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of active Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
BACKGROUND: Chagas' disease is transmitted to man either by the bite of insects harboring Trypanosoma cruzi or by the transfusion of blood from infected donors. The conventional serologic testing as presently used in blood banks in South America is unsatisfactory, because of a high number of inconclusive and false-positive results. Other methods such as polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with recombinant antigens have been proposed, but inherent difficulties have so far precluded their adoption in the large-scale screening required by blood banks. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A highly sensitive and specific chemiluminescent ELISA using a purified trypomastigote glycoconjugate antigen and a complex epimastigote antigen was devised for the diagnosis of active T. cruzi infection. RESULTS: Chemiluminescent ELISA was 100-percent sensitive in the diagnosis of 100 cases of confirmed Chagas' disease. Inconclusive results and false-positive reactions were eliminated in a panel of 115 sera. The specificity of the chemiluminescent ELISA was 100 percent with a purified trypomastigote glycoconjugate antigen and 99.7 percent with a complex epimastigote antigen when applied to 1000 normal human sera and 288 heterologous sera from patients with other infections, including leishmaniasis, and vaccinated individuals. CONCLUSION: The chemiluminescent ELISAs provide a test that is highly sensitive (purified trypomastigote glycoconjugate and complex epimastigote antigens) and specific (purified trypomastigote glycoconjugate antigen) for Chagas' disease diagnosis. It can be used in blood bank screening and to monitor the treatment of patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Animals↗
Identification of N-acetylneuraminic acid and its 9-O-acetylated derivative on the cell surface of Cryptococcus neoformans: influence on fungal phagocytosis.
Sialic acids from sialoglycoconjugates present at the cell surface of Cryptococcus neoformans yeast forms were analyzed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography, binding of influenza A and C virus strains, enzymatic treatment, and flow cytofluorimetry with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled lectins. C. neoformans yeast forms grown in a chemically defined medium contain N-acetylneuraminic acid and its 9-O-acetylated derivative. A density of 3 x 10(6) residues of sialic acid per cell was found in C. neoformans. Sialic acids in cryptococcal cells are glycosidically linked to galactopyranosyl units as inferred from the increased reactivity of neuraminidase-treated yeasts with peanut agglutinin. N-Acetylneuraminic acids are alpha-2,6 and alpha-2,3 linked, as indicated by using virus strains M1/5 and M1/5 HS8, respectively, as agglutination probes. The alpha-2,6 linkage markedly predominated. These findings were essentially confirmed by the interaction of cryptococcal cells with the lectins Sambucus nigra agglutinin and Maackia amurensis agglutinin. We also investigated whether the sialyl residues present in C. neoformans are involved in the fungal interaction with a cationic solid-phase substrate and with mouse resident macrophages. Adhesion of yeast cells to poly-L-lysine was mediated, in part, by sialic acid residues, since the number of adherent cells was markedly reduced after treatment with bacterial neuraminidase. The enzymatic removal of sialic acids also made C. neoformans yeast cells more susceptible to endocytosis by macrophages. The results show that sialic acids are components of the cryptococcal cell surface that contribute to its negative charge and protect yeast forms against phagocytosis.
Acetylation↗
Identification and characterization of protozoan products that trigger the synthesis of IL-12 by inflammatory macrophages.
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Animals↗
Randomised trial of efficacy of benznidazole in treatment of early Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
BACKGROUND: Benznidazole, a nitroimidazole derivative, has been recommended for the treatment of acute and congenital Trypanosoma cruzi infection (Chagas' disease). We have examined the safety and efficacy of this drug in the treatment of the early chronic phase of T cruzi infection. METHODS: Between 1991 and 1995, we carried out a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in a rural area of Brazil with endemic Chagas' disease. 82% of 2434 schoolchildren (aged 7-12 years) identified in a census were screened for antibodies to T cruzi by indirect immunofluorescence, indirect haemagglutination, and ELISA. 130 were positive in all tests and were randomly assigned benznidazole (7.5 mg/kg daily for 60 days by mouth) or placebo. The primary endpoint for efficacy was the disappearance of specific antibodies (negative seroconversion) by the end of 3-year follow-up. The secondary endpoint was the reduction of antibody titres on repeated serological tests. One child moved away from the area just after randomisation and was excluded from the analyses. Insecticidal measures were taken throughout the trial to reduce the risk of reinfection. FINDINGS: Minor side-effects requiring no specific medication were recorded in a small proportion of individuals. On a chemiluminescent ELISA with purified trypomastigote glycoconjugate, serum from all participants was positive at the beginning of the trial. At the end of follow-up, 37 (58%) of the 64 benznidazole-treated participants and 3 (5%) of those who received placebo were negative for T cruzi antibodies. The efficacy of benznidazole treatment estimated by intention to treat was 55.8% (95% CI 40.8-67.0). At the end of follow-up, children who received benznidazole had five-fold lower geometric mean titres by indirect immunofluorescence than placebo-treated children (196[147-256] vs 1068[809-1408], p < 0.00001). INTERPRETATION: The trial showed that a 60-day course of benznidazole treatment of early chronic T cruzi infection was safe and 55.8% effective in producing negative seroconversion of specific antibodies. The results are very encouraging and justify the recommendation of treatment for seropositive children as public health policy.
Animals↗
alpha6beta1-Integrin, a major cell surface carrier of beta1-6-branched oligosaccharides, mediates migration of EJ-ras-transformed fibroblasts on laminin-1 independently of its glycosylation state.
EJ-ras oncogene-induced malignant transformation is characterized by a series of changes in cell surface carbohydrates and cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Here, we show that EJ-ras-transformed NIH-3T3 fibroblasts acquired a migratory phenotype on laminin-1 surfaces. Such a phenotype was accompanied by overexpression of: (a) functional alpha6beta1, but not other laminin binding beta1-integrins; and (b) glycoconjugates on the cell surface bearing large oligosaccharides recognized by leukoagglutinin from Phaseolus vulgaris (L-PHA). The internal pool of pre-beta1-integrins was differently regulated in EJ-ras-transformed cells compared with nontransfected fibroblasts. Conversion of pre-beta1- into mature beta1-integrins was faster in EJ-ras-transformed cells, a process associated with the overexpression of the alpha6-chain. Overexpression of L-PHA-reactive oligosaccharides is dependent on the activity of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V, which is increased in transformed cells [J. W. Dennis et al., Science (Washington DC), 236: 582-585, 1987]. We show that beta1-integrins were the major carriers of L-PHA-reactive oligosaccharides on the cell surface. This glycosylation pattern, however, was not necessary for either the cell surface expression of beta1-integrins or their functional activity in the migratory response to laminin-1. Moreover, EJ-ras-transformed fibroblasts aggregated spontaneously. These effects were not observed in c-jun-transfected fibroblasts, which were unable to migrate on laminin, did not overexpress either beta1-integrins or L-PHA-reactive oligosaccharides, and did not self-aggregate.
3T3 Cells↗
Cloning, characterization, and epitope expression of the major diagnostic antigen of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.
The 43,000-Da glycoprotein (gp43) of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is an immunodominant antigen for antibody-dependent and immune cellular responses in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. In order to identify the peptide epitopes involved in the immunological reactivities of the gp43 and to obtain highly specific recombinant molecules for diagnosis of the infection, genomic and cDNA clones representing the entire coding region of the antigen were sequenced. The gp43 open reading frame was found in a 1,329-base pair fragment with 2 exons interrupted by an intron of 78 nucleotides. The gene is present in very few copies per genome, as indicated by Southern blotting and chromosomal megarestriction analysis. A single transcript of 1.5 kilobase pairs was verified in the yeast phase. The gene encodes a polypeptide of 416 amino acids (Mr 45,947) with a leader peptide of 35 residues; the mature protein has a single N-glycosylation site. The deduced amino acid sequence showed similarities of 56-58% with exo-1,3- beta-D-glucanases from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. However, the gp43 is devoid of hydrolase activity and does not cross-react immunologically with the fungal glucanases. Internal and COOH-terminal gene fragments of the gp43 were expressed as recombinant fusion proteins, which reacted with antibodies elicited against the native antigen.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Polyclonal B-cell activation by Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharides elicit antibodies protective against Trypanosoma cruzi infection in vitro.
A hyperimmune rabbit antiserum against group C Neisseria meningitidis agglutinated and lysed Trypanosoma cruzi metacyclic trypomastigotes in a complement-mediated reaction. Immunization of rabbits with the purified polysaccharide C from N. meningitidis and of human volunteers with the AC-polysaccharide vaccine against meningitis also resulted in antibody production cross-reactive with T. cruzi infective forms. The rabbit antibodies bound to parasites, lysed metacyclic forms, and recognized several components from lysates of cell-derived trypomastigotes. The sera from six human volunteers reacted with cell-cultured trypomastigotes in vitro, lysed these forms, and recognized glycoconjugates migrating diffusely on the top of immunoblots. One serum also reacted with the isolated mucin-like glycoconjugate carrying the Ssp-3 epitope from cell-derived trypomastigotes, but treatment with sialidase did not abolish this reactivity. The anti-AC human antiserum also protected against HeLa cell infection and markedly decreased the number of parasites liberated after cell burst. The polyclonal response that resulted from human immunization with N. meningitidis polysaccharides A and C comprised trypanolytic antibodies that recognized nonsialylated epitopes expressed on infective forms of the parasite. It is suggested that human AC vaccination could be potentially helpful as an adjuvant to a specific immunotherapy of Chagas disease, developed with native or recombinant antigens of the parasite.
Animals↗
Monoclonal antibodies against the 43,000 Da glycoprotein from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis modulate laminin-mediated fungal adhesion to epithelial cells and pathogenesis.
The surface glycoprotein gp43, a highly immunogenic component of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, is used in the serodiagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and has recently been shown to specifically bind the extracellular matrix protein laminin. Binding to laminin induces the increased adhesion of the fungus to epithelial cells; a hamster testicle infection model has shown that the gp43-dependent binding of fungal cells to laminin enhances their pathogenicity in vivo. We report on the production and characterization of 12 monoclonal antibodies against the gp43 that recognize peptide sequences in the molecule detecting at least three different epitopes as well as different isoforms of this antigen. MAbs interfered in the fungal pathogenicity in vivo either by inhibiting or enhancing granuloma formation and tissue destruction. Results suggest that P. brasiliensis propagules may start infection in man by strongly adhering to human lung cells. Thus, laminin-mediated fungal adhesion to human lung carcinoma (A549) cells was much more intense than to Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK), indicating differences in binding affinity. Subsequent growth of fungi bound to the lung cells could induce the granulomatous inflammatory reaction characteristic of PCM. Both steps are greatly stimulated by laminin binding in infective cells expressing gp43.
Animals↗
Structure of the N-linked oligosaccharide of the main diagnostic antigen of the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.
The major diagnostic antigen of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the exocellularly secreted 43,000 Da glycoprotein (gp43) which contains a single N-linked oligosaccharide chain. This oligosaccharide, although poorly immunogenic in man, is responsible for the cross-reactivity of the gp43 with sera from patients with histoplasmosis, and may have a role in fungal virulence. It contains a neutral high-mannose core (Man7GlcNAc2) to which a (1-->6)-linked alpha-D-Manp chain of variable length, substituted at the 2-O positions by single alpha-D-Manp residues, is attached. A terminal unit of beta-D-galactofuranose is (1-->6)-linked to one of the (1-->2)-linked mannosyl residues, either in the C or in the A arm of the oligosaccharide. The heterogeneity of the oligosaccharide is determined by the different sizes of the A arm and the sites of insertion of the beta-galactofuranosyl unit. The complete structure was determined by methylation analysis, 1H-NMR, mass spectrometry, acetolysis and mannosidase degradation. Electrospray mass spectrometry showed that the oligosaccharide comprises several subtypes ranging from Hex18GlcNAc2 to Hex10GlcNAc2 which accounts for the diffuse migration of the gp43 in polyacrylamide gels. The average size of the most frequent subtype is Hex13.6GlcNAc2. Dilute acid treatment to remove beta-D-Galf reduced the molecular masses of the majority of the subtypes by a single sugar unit.
Acetylation↗