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International Journal of Immunogenetics Jun 2020The CCR5 molecule was reported in 1996 as the main HIV-1 co-receptor. In that same year, the CCR5Δ32 genetic variant was described as a strong protective factor against... (Review)
Review
The CCR5 molecule was reported in 1996 as the main HIV-1 co-receptor. In that same year, the CCR5Δ32 genetic variant was described as a strong protective factor against HIV-1 infection. These findings led to extensive research regarding the CCR5, culminating in critical scientific advances, such as the development of CCR5 inhibitors for the treatment of HIV infection. Recently, the research landscape surrounding CCR5 has begun to change. Different research groups have realized that, since CCR5 has such important effects in the chemokine system, it could also affect other different physiological systems. Therefore, the effect of reduced CCR5 expression due to the presence of the CCR5Δ32 variant began to be further studied. Several studies have investigated the role of CCR5 and the impacts of CCR5Δ32 on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, various types of cancer, and viral diseases. However, the role of CCR5 in diseases caused by bacteria and parasites is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this article is to review the role of CCR5 and the effects of CCR5Δ32 on bacterial (brucellosis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis and infection by Chlamydia trachomatis) and parasitic infections (toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and schistosomiasis). Basic information about each of these infections was also addressed. The neglected role of CCR5 in fungal disease and emerging studies regarding the action of CCR5 on regulatory T cells are briefly covered in this review. Considering the "renaissance of CCR5 research," this article is useful for updating researchers who develop studies involving CCR5 and CCR5Δ32 in different infectious diseases.
Topics: Alleles; Bacterial Infections; Genotype; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Mutation; Parasitic Diseases; Receptors, CCR5
PubMed: 32212259
DOI: 10.1111/iji.12485 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Aug 2018Until recently, basophils had often been neglected in immunologic studies because of their minority status among immune cells or confused with tissue-resident mast cells... (Review)
Review
Until recently, basophils had often been neglected in immunologic studies because of their minority status among immune cells or confused with tissue-resident mast cells because of some phenotypic similarities between them in spite of different anatomic localization. It is now appreciated that basophils and mast cells are distinct cell lineages and that basophils play important and nonredundant roles distinct from those played by mast cells. On the one hand, basophils contribute beneficially to protective immunity, particularly against parasitic infections. On the other hand, basophils are involved in the development of various disorders, including allergy and autoimmune disease. Basophils interact with other immune cells and nonhematopoietic cells through cell-to-cell contact or basophil-derived factors, such as cytokines and proteases, contributing to the regulation of immune and allergic responses. In this review article we highlight recent advances in our understanding of basophil pathophysiology in human subjects and animal models by consolidating research findings reported during the past 5 years. Further studies on basophils and their products will help identify suitable targets for novel therapeutics in allergy and effective vaccines against parasitic infection.
Topics: Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; Basophils; Cell Differentiation; Cell Lineage; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Mast Cells; Parasitic Diseases; Peptide Hydrolases
PubMed: 29247714
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.10.042 -
International Archives of Allergy and... 2015Migration studies have shown that environmental factors in more developed and industrialized countries facilitate atopy and asthma in a time-dependent manner and are... (Review)
Review
Migration studies have shown that environmental factors in more developed and industrialized countries facilitate atopy and asthma in a time-dependent manner and are affected by age at immigration. Levels of immunoglobulin E are higher in immigrants than in the local population and gradually decrease to the levels of the general population. Parasitic infestation may function in the prevention and pathogenesis of atopic conditions in immigrants from developing countries. Helminths are associated with a reduced prevalence of clinically important atopic disorders, likely because of induction of a regulatory cell population mechanism. Improved understanding of the immunologic background of helminths and their protective function in humans has led to a growing interest in the possibility of reversal of allergies using parasites and the development of new therapies, such as immunomodulation for allergy using ova from parasites orally or intranasally. Strategies for primary prevention in high-risk atopic individuals and secondary prevention guidelines should be developed for populations in developing countries and for immigrants from developing countries to atopy-prevalent developed countries. Improved understanding of the function of parasitic infection in modulation of the immune response may lead to new therapeutic options for allergic conditions.
Topics: Animals; Asthma; Dermatitis, Atopic; Helminths; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Parasitic Diseases; Transients and Migrants
PubMed: 26139475
DOI: 10.1159/000431360 -
Seminars in Immunopathology Mar 2019Parasitic infections modulate the immune system of the host, resulting in either immune tolerance or the induction of pro-inflammatory defense mechanisms against the...
Parasitic infections modulate the immune system of the host, resulting in either immune tolerance or the induction of pro-inflammatory defense mechanisms against the pathogen. In both cases, sex hormones are involved in the regulation of the immune response, as they are present in the systemic circulation and can act on a wide variety of cell types, including immune cells. Men and women have a different milieu of sex hormones, and these hormones play a role in determining immune responses to parasitic infections. Men, who have higher plasma levels of androgens than women, are generally more susceptible to parasitic infections. Many immune cells express the androgen receptor (AR), and the immunologic functions of these cells can be modulated by androgens. In this review, we will highlight the immune cell types that are sensitive to male steroid hormones and describe their roles during three parasitic diseases, amebiasis, leishmaniasis, and helminthiasis.
Topics: Androgens; Female; Helminthiasis; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Male; Receptors, Androgen; Sex Characteristics
PubMed: 30353258
DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0722-9 -
Acta Parasitologica Mar 2022Liquid biopsy refers to the sampling and molecular analysis of body fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine in contrast to conventional tissue biopsies. Liquid biopsy... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Liquid biopsy refers to the sampling and molecular analysis of body fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine in contrast to conventional tissue biopsies. Liquid biopsy approach can offer powerful non-invasive biomarkers (circulating markers) for diagnosis and monitoring treatment response of a variety of diseases, including parasitic infections.
METHODS
In this review, we concentrate on cell-free DNA (cfDNA), microRNA (miRNA), and exosomes in the published literature.
RESULTS
Considering the high prevalence and severity of parasitic infections worldwide, circulating biomarkers can provide a new insight into the diagnosis and prognosis of parasites in the near future. Moreover, identifying and characterizing parasite- or host-derived circulating markers are important for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of parasite infection and host-parasite relationship at the molecular level. Profiling of biomarkers for parasitic diseases is a promising potential field, though further studies and optimization strategies are required, both in vitro and in vivo.
CONCLUSION
In this review, we discuss three approaches in the liquid biopsy including circulating cfDNA, miRNAs, and exosomes for diagnosis and evaluation of parasites and summarize circulating biomarkers in non-invasive samples during parasitic infections.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Cell-Free Nucleic Acids; Exosomes; Humans; Liquid Biopsy; MicroRNAs; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 34176040
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00444-x -
Nature Reviews. Immunology Jan 2016Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are enzymatically derived from essential fatty acids and have important roles in orchestrating the resolution of tissue... (Review)
Review
Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are enzymatically derived from essential fatty acids and have important roles in orchestrating the resolution of tissue inflammation - that is, catabasis. Host responses to tissue infection elicit acute inflammation in an attempt to control invading pathogens. SPMs are lipid mediators that are part of a larger family of pro-resolving molecules, which includes proteins and gases, that together restrain inflammation and resolve the infection. These immunoresolvents are distinct from immunosuppressive molecules as they not only dampen inflammation but also promote host defence. Here, we focus primarily on SPMs and their roles in lung infection and inflammation to illustrate the potent actions these mediators play in restoring tissue homeostasis after an infection.
Topics: Bacterial Infections; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Parasitic Diseases; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 26688348
DOI: 10.1038/nri.2015.4 -
Nanoscale Oct 2021This study investigates if visceral leishmaniasis (VL) infection has some effects on the organ and cellular uptake and distribution of 100-200 nm near-infrared...
This study investigates if visceral leishmaniasis (VL) infection has some effects on the organ and cellular uptake and distribution of 100-200 nm near-infrared fluorescently labelled non-biodegradable polystyrene latex beads (PS NPs) or biodegradable polylactic--glycolic nanoparticles (PLGA NPs), as this parasitic infection produces morphological alterations in liver, spleen and bone marrow, organs highly involved in NP sequestration. The results showed that the magnitude of the effect was specific for each organ and type of NP. With the exception of the liver, the general trend was a decrease in NP organ and cellular uptake, mostly due to immune cell mobilization and/or weight organ gain, as vascular permeability was increased. Moreover, NPs redistributed among different phagocytic cells to adapt infection associated changes and cellular alterations. In the liver, it is noteworthy that only isolated Kuffer cells (KCs) captured NPs, whereas they were not taken up by KC forming granulomas. In the spleen, NPs redistributed from macrophages and dendritic cells towards B cells and inflammatory monocytes although they maintained their preferential accumulation in the marginal zone and red pulp. Comparatively, the infection rarely affected the NP cellular distribution in the bone marrow. NP cellular target changes in VL infection could affect their therapeutic efficacy and should be considered for more efficient drug delivery.
Topics: Biological Transport; Drug Carriers; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Monocytes; Nanoparticles; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 34651151
DOI: 10.1039/d1nr03797h -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Nov 2021Food handlers regardless of whether preparing or serving food, play key roles in the transmission of food-borne infections. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Food handlers regardless of whether preparing or serving food, play key roles in the transmission of food-borne infections. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in food handlers in Iran. In the present study, a comprehensive literature search was carried out in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID), Iran Medex and Iran Doc, to identify all the published studies from 2000 to 31st April 2019. A total of 25 articles from different regions of Iran were identified and fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Totally, 140,447 cases were examined and 1163 cases were infected with intestinal parasites. Of all cases, 19,516 were male and 5901 were female with 1163 and 652 infected cases, respectively. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was evaluated 14.0% [95% CI: 11.0-17.0%]. It is revealed that protozoan, such as Giardia lamblia, with prevalence of 41.0% [95% CI: 25.0-59.0%], Blastosystis hominis with 28.0% [95% CI: 15.0-44.0%] and Entamoeba coli with 22.0% [95% CI: 16.0-29.0%] had the highest prevalence while, Dientamoeba fragilis 5.0% [95% CI: 4.0-7.0%], Iodamoeba bütschlii 5.0% [95% CI: 2.0-8.0%], Chilomastix mesnili 5.0% [95% CI: 2.0-9.0%] and Endolimax nana with 3.0% [95% CI: 1.0-7.0%], were less prevalent. Infection with Ascaris lumbricoides7.0% [95% CI: 0.0-29.0%] was more prevalent helminth followed with Enterobius vermicularis 3.0% [95% CI: 1.0-5.0%], Hymenolepis nana 2.0% [95% CI: 1.0-3.0%], Taenia spp. 2.0% [95% CI: 0.0-7.0%] and Trichuris trichiura 1.0% [95% CI: 0.0-1.0%]. The high prevalence of commensal parasites, such as Entamoeba coli, which does not need cure is indicating the importance of personal hygiene in food handlers. Our results revealed the high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in food handlers in Iran. Monitoring programs to prevent and controlling of transmission to individuals are needed.
Topics: Animals; Feces; Female; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Iran; Male; Prevalence
PubMed: 34358411
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.590 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2023In developing countries, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is still significant, particularly due to geographical and socioeconomic variables. The...
In developing countries, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is still significant, particularly due to geographical and socioeconomic variables. The objective of this study was to map the distribution pattern of intestinal parasitic infection in a cohort of the Egyptian population, as well as to assess associated risk factors. A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted on 386 patients. A single fecal specimen was collected from the study individual and examined microscopically for the detection of parasitic infection. DNA was extracted from all samples and utilized to amplify Entamoeba histolytica complex species, Cryptosporidium species, Giardia intestinalis assemblages, and Blastocystis species using PCRs. Typing of Cryptosporidium species and Giardia intestinalis assemblages was performed using restriction enzymes RasI and HaeIII respectively. While Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST) were identified through sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis. 59.6% (230/386) of the study patients were infected with one or more intestinal parasites, 87.4%; 201/230 of patients had mono-parasitic infections, and 12.6%; 29/230 had multiple-parasitic infections (P < 0.0001). The predominant protozoa were Blastocystis, followed by Entamoeba histolytica complex, and Giardia intestinalis both as mono-parasites and as part of multiple parasites. Molecular assays showed that Blastocystis ST3, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia intestinalis assemblage B, and Cryptosporidium hominis were the most prevalent species. Intestinal parasitic infection was significantly associated with age, gender, residence, and water source. Multi-parasitism showed that residency in a rural area was a risk factor (OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.51-13.37; P = 0.007). Egyptians residing in rural areas have a high prevalence of intestinal multi-parasitism. Therefore, to lessen the prevalence and effects of these infections in this group, effective and sustainable control methods, providing health education focusing on good personal hygiene habits, and providing a safe drinking water supply should be implemented.
Topics: Humans; Cryptosporidiosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Phylogeny; Egypt; Cryptosporidium; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Giardia lamblia; Blastocystis; Entamoeba histolytica
PubMed: 37340037
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36320-z -
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2014Due to increased globalization, food-borne parasitic infections are becoming more prevalent worldwide, including in countries where these parasites and parasitic... (Review)
Review
Due to increased globalization, food-borne parasitic infections are becoming more prevalent worldwide, including in countries where these parasites and parasitic diseases had previously been well controlled or eradicated. Improved sanitation, health education, and establishment of appropriate food safety mechanisms can go a long way towards the control of many these infections. However, food-borne parasitic infections are still common diseases in developing countries, especially in rural areas. As many of today's travelers are looking to explore more distant locations and partake in the local cuisine, they may be at greater risk of acquiring a food-borne parasitic infection, including those caused by a number of adult and larval tapeworms. This review discusses fish and meat-borne tapeworms and zoonotic metacestodiases of public health importance to both developing and developed countries, with a focus on infection prevention in travelers.
Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cattle; Cestoda; Cestode Infections; Echinococcosis; Foodborne Diseases; Humans; Meat; Seafood; Swine; Travel; Zoonoses
PubMed: 25069407
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2014.06.009