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Immunity Jan 2021The gastrointestinal tract is known as the largest endocrine organ that encounters and integrates various immune stimulations and neuronal responses due to constant...
The gastrointestinal tract is known as the largest endocrine organ that encounters and integrates various immune stimulations and neuronal responses due to constant environmental challenges. Enterochromaffin (EC) cells, which function as chemosensors on the gut epithelium, are known to translate environmental cues into serotonin (5-HT) production, contributing to intestinal physiology. However, how immune signals participate in gut sensation and neuroendocrine response remains unclear. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) acts as an alarmin cytokine by alerting the system of potential environmental stresses. We here demonstrate that IL-33 induced instantaneous peristaltic movement and facilitated Trichuris muris expulsion. We found that IL-33 could be sensed by EC cells, inducing release of 5-HT. IL-33-mediated 5-HT release activated enteric neurons, subsequently promoting gut motility. Mechanistically, IL-33 triggered calcium influx via a non-canonical signaling pathway specifically in EC cells to induce 5-HT secretion. Our data establish an immune-neuroendocrine axis in calibrating rapid 5-HT release for intestinal homeostasis.
Topics: Animals; Calcium Signaling; Enterochromaffin Cells; Homeostasis; Interleukin-33; Intestines; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Neuroimmunomodulation; Neurons; Peristalsis; Serotonin; Trichuriasis; Trichuris
PubMed: 33220232
DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.10.014 -
Revista Chilena de Infectologia :... Dec 2021
Topics: Animals; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Trichuriasis; Trichuris
PubMed: 35506853
DOI: 10.4067/s0716-10182021000600791 -
Journal of Infection in Developing... Jan 2014The worldwide prevalence of geohelminths and their unique place in evolutionary biology have attracted research focus. These major soil-transmitted intestinal nematodes... (Review)
Review
The worldwide prevalence of geohelminths and their unique place in evolutionary biology have attracted research focus. These major soil-transmitted intestinal nematodes that cause human diseases are the nematode roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), the whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and the two hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), often collectively referred as geohelminths. Studies of geohelminthiasis in poorly nourished children in developing regions report that geohelminths contribute to stunted growth and cognitive impairment. Insights into immunology have shed light on the modulatory role of the parasite on the host immune system and have defined the role of T cells in controlling geohelminthic infection. Recent molecular biological techniques have created an opportunity to analyse the interaction between parasites and their hosts at the molecular level. This paper is a review of the recent literature that examined the prevalence of geohelminthiasis in developing countries, the association between geohelminths in relation to public health, parasitological/diagnostic features, and therapeutic and preventive aspects of these major soil-transmitted helminth (STH) pathogens in humans.
Topics: Ancylostomatoidea; Animals; Ascaris lumbricoides; Developing Countries; Developmental Disabilities; Helminthiasis; Humans; Intestinal Diseases; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Prevalence; Trichuris
PubMed: 24423707
DOI: 10.3855/jidc.3183 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2021Embryonated eggs are the infectious developmental stage of Trichuris trichiura and are the primary stimulus for the immune system of the definitive host. The...
Embryonated eggs are the infectious developmental stage of Trichuris trichiura and are the primary stimulus for the immune system of the definitive host. The intestinal-dwelling T. trichiura affects an estimated 465 million people worldwide with an estimated global burden of disease of 640 000 DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years). In Latin America and the Caribbean, trichuriasis is the most prevalent soil transmitted helminthiasis in the region (12.3%; 95% CI). The adverse health consequences impair childhood school performance and reduce school attendance resulting in lower future wage-earning capacity. The accumulation of the long-term effects translates into poverty promoting sequelae and a cycle of impoverishment. Each infective T. trichiura egg carries the antigens needed to face the immune system with a wide variety of proteins present in the shell, larvae's surface, and the accompanying fluid that contains their excretions/secretions. We used a proteomic approach with tandem mass spectrometry to investigate the proteome of soluble non-embryonated egg extracts of T. trichiura obtained from naturally infected African green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus). A total of 231 proteins were identified, 168 of them with known molecular functions. The proteome revealed common proteins families which are known to play roles in energy and metabolism; the cytoskeleton, muscle and motility; proteolysis; signaling; the stress response and detoxification; transcription and translation; and lipid binding and transport. In addition to the study of the T. trichiura non-embryonated egg proteome, the antigenic profile of the T. trichiura non-embryonated egg and female soluble proteins against serum antibodies from C. sabaeus naturally infected with trichuriasis was investigated. We used an immunoproteomic approach by Western blot and tandem mass spectrometry from the corresponding SDS-PAGE gels. Vitellogenin N and VWD and DUF1943 domain containing protein, poly-cysteine and histidine tailed protein isoform 2, heat shock protein 70, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, actin, and enolase, were among the potential immunoactive proteins. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the T. trichiura non-embryonated egg proteome as a novel source of information on potential targets for immunodiagnostics and immunomodulators from a neglected tropical disease. This initial list of T. trichiura non-embryonated egg proteins (proteome and antigenic profile) can be used in future research on the immunobiology and pathogenesis of human trichuriasis and the treatment of human intestinal immune-related diseases.
Topics: Animals; Antigens, Helminth; Chlorocebus aethiops; Female; Helminth Proteins; Humans; Ovum; Proteome; Trichuriasis; Trichuris
PubMed: 33760829
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009221 -
Nature Communications Jul 2022The neglected tropical disease trichuriasis is caused by the whipworm Trichuris trichiura, a soil-transmitted helminth that has infected humans for millennia. Today, T....
The neglected tropical disease trichuriasis is caused by the whipworm Trichuris trichiura, a soil-transmitted helminth that has infected humans for millennia. Today, T. trichiura infects as many as 500 million people, predominantly in communities with poor sanitary infrastructure enabling sustained faecal-oral transmission. Using whole-genome sequencing of geographically distributed worms collected from human and other primate hosts, together with ancient samples preserved in archaeologically-defined latrines and deposits dated up to one thousand years old, we present the first population genomics study of T. trichiura. We describe the continent-scale genetic structure between whipworms infecting humans and baboons relative to those infecting other primates. Admixture and population demographic analyses support a stepwise distribution of genetic variation that is highest in Uganda, consistent with an African origin and subsequent translocation with human migration. Finally, genome-wide analyses between human samples and between human and non-human primate samples reveal local regions of genetic differentiation between geographically distinct populations. These data provide insight into zoonotic reservoirs of human-infective T. trichiura and will support future efforts toward the implementation of genomic epidemiology of this globally important helminth.
Topics: Animals; Genome-Wide Association Study; Humans; Metagenomics; Phylogeny; Primates; Trichuriasis; Trichuris
PubMed: 35794092
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31487-x -
Parasites & Vectors Feb 2014Intestinal nematodes affecting dogs, i.e. roundworms, hookworms and whipworms, have a relevant health-risk impact for animals and, for most of them, for human beings.... (Review)
Review
Intestinal nematodes affecting dogs, i.e. roundworms, hookworms and whipworms, have a relevant health-risk impact for animals and, for most of them, for human beings. Both dogs and humans are typically infected by ingesting infective stages, (i.e. larvated eggs or larvae) present in the environment. The existence of a high rate of soil and grass contamination with infective parasitic elements has been demonstrated worldwide in leisure, recreational, public and urban areas, i.e. parks, green areas, bicycle paths, city squares, playgrounds, sandpits, beaches. This review discusses the epidemiological and sanitary importance of faecal pollution with canine intestinal parasites in urban environments and the integrated approaches useful to minimize the risk of infection in different settings.
Topics: Ancylostoma; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Environmental Monitoring; Feces; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Parasite Egg Count; Risk; Soil; Toxocara; Trichuris; Urban Health
PubMed: 24524656
DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-67 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Dec 2022Trichuris trichiura and T. suis are gastrointestinal dwelling roundworms that infect humans and pigs, respectively. Heavy infections cause gastrointestinal symptoms and...
Trichuris trichiura and T. suis are gastrointestinal dwelling roundworms that infect humans and pigs, respectively. Heavy infections cause gastrointestinal symptoms and impaired growth and development. Vaccination has the potential to reduce the disease burden of whipworm infection; however, there are currently no commercially available vaccines against these parasites and very few against other gastrointestinal-dwelling nematodes of medical and agricultural importance. The naturally occurring mouse whipworm, T. muris, has been used for decades to model human trichuriasis, and the immunogenic potential of the excretory/secretory material (E/S, which can be collected following ex vivo culture of worms) has been studied in the context of vaccine candidate identification. Despite this, researchers are yet to progress an effective vaccine candidate to clinical trials. The T. muris, T. trichiura, and T. suis genomes each encode between 10 and 27 whey acidic protein (WAP) domain-containing proteins and 15 to 34 cysteine-rich secretory protein/antigen 5/pathogenesis related-1 (CAP) family members. WAP and CAP proteins have been postulated to play key roles in host-parasite interactions and may possess immunomodulatory functions. In addition, both protein families have been explored in the context of helminth vaccines. Here, we use phylogenetic and functional analysis to investigate the evolutionary relationship between WAP and CAP proteins encoded by T. muris, T. trichiura, and T. suis. We highlight several WAP and CAP proteins that warrant further study to understand their biological function and as possible vaccine candidates against T. trichiura and/or T. suis, based on the close evolutionary relationship with WAP or CAP proteins identified within T. muris E/S products.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Trichuris; Phylogeny; Vaccines; Vaccination; Antigens, Helminth; Trichuriasis
PubMed: 36548229
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010933 -
Parasites & Vectors Sep 2022Whipworm (Trichuris) is a genus of roundworms that causes gastrointestinal infections in humans and animals. Of particular interest are T. trichiura, the causative agent... (Review)
Review
Whipworm (Trichuris) is a genus of roundworms that causes gastrointestinal infections in humans and animals. Of particular interest are T. trichiura, the causative agent of human trichuriasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects 477 million people worldwide, and T. suis, the pig whipworm species, responsible for growth stunting and economic losses within the agricultural industry. The naturally occurring mouse whipworm, T. muris, has been used for decades as a model for trichuriasis, yielding knowledge on the biology of these parasites and the host response to infection. Ex vivo culture of T. muris (and to some extent, T. suis) has provided insight into the composition of the excretory/secretory (E/S) products released by worms, which include a myriad of proteins, RNAs, lipids, glycans, metabolites and extracellular vesicles. T. muris E/S has formed the basis of the search for whipworm vaccine candidates, while the immunomodulatory potential of T. suis and T. muris secretions has been investigated with the aim of improving our understanding of how these parasites modulate host immunity, as well as identifying immunomodulatory candidates with therapeutic potential in the context of inflammatory diseases. This article will review the various components found within Trichuris E/S, their potential as vaccine candidates and their immunomodulatory properties.
Topics: Animals; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Lipids; Mice; Swine; Trichuriasis; Trichuris; Vaccines
PubMed: 36175934
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05483-5 -
Parasitology Research Mar 2022The use of fertilizers based on sewage sludge is common practice. Due to the possible presence of pathogens and eggs of intestinal parasites like Ascaris sp., Toxocara...
The use of fertilizers based on sewage sludge is common practice. Due to the possible presence of pathogens and eggs of intestinal parasites like Ascaris sp., Toxocara sp., and Trichuris sp. in these products, it is necessary to control them. The aim of the study was to determine the presence of parasite eggs in commercial organic fertilizers available on the market. Selected commercial products were tested using the Quinn flotation method and a method dedicated to the study of dewatered sewage sludge. Assessment of the viability of helminth eggs was carried out on the basis of staining with calcein and propidium iodide. In 57% of the tested samples, the presence of live eggs of the abovementioned parasites was detected, and in 21% of samples, the eggs with live larvae were detected. Eggs of Trichuris sp. (50%) and Ascaris sp. (36%) were the most common. The obtained results clearly indicate that the process of hygienization of the sewage sludge before the production of fertilizers was not effective enough and it is necessary to standardize the prophylaxis against the spread of parasitic nematodes in commercially available products.
Topics: Animals; Ascaris; Fertilizers; Parasites; Sewage; Toxocara; Trichuris
PubMed: 35118511
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07451-5 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022Helminth infections remain a global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where roundworms from the and genera are most prevalent.... (Review)
Review
Helminth infections remain a global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where roundworms from the and genera are most prevalent. These geohelminths not only impact human health but most importantly also affect animal well-being, in particular the swine industry. Host-helminth parasite interactions are complex and at the same time essential to understand the biology, dynamics and pathophysiology of these infections. Within these interactions, the immunomodulatory capacity of these helminths in the host has been extensively studied. Moreover, in recent years a growing interest on how helminths interact with the intestinal microbiota of the host has sparked, highlighting how this relationship plays an essential role in the establishment of initial infection, survival and persistence of the parasite, as well as in the development of chronic infections. Identifying the changes generated by these helminths on the composition and structure of the host intestinal microbiota constitutes a field of great scientific interest, since this can provide essential and actionable information for designing effective control and therapeutic strategies. Helminths like and are a focus of special importance due to their high prevalence, higher reinfection rates, resistance to anthelmintic therapy and unavailability of vaccines. Therefore, characterizing interactions between these helminths and the host intestinal microbiota represents an important approach to better understand the nature of this dynamic interface and explore novel therapeutic alternatives based on management of host microbiota. Given the extraordinary impact this may have from a biological, clinical, and epidemiological public health standpoint, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and future perspectives examining the parasite-microbiota interplay and its impact on host immunity.
Topics: Animals; Ascaris; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Swine; Trichuris
PubMed: 35694539
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.852900