Review
Genetics & Heredity
Xinlei Wang, Jie Chen, Jingtong Zheng
Summary: This review discusses the recent findings on extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by different kinds of protozoa, including their molecular mechanisms, and the roles played by EVs in the occurrence and development of parasitic diseases.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Seyedeh Alia Moosavian, Maryam Hashemi, Leila Etemad, Sara Daneshmand, Zahra Salmasi
Summary: Exosomes play a crucial role in early diagnosis and various functions related to angiogenesis, immune modulation, migration, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and tumor progression in melanoma. Natural exosomes have the potential to be utilized as nanocarriers and cancer vaccines for more efficient cancer treatment in the era of novel bioengineering and immunotherapy approaches.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alonso da Silva Lira Filho, Emanuella Francisco Fajardo, Kwang Poo Chang, Pauline Clement, Martin Olivier
Summary: This study focuses on the role of GP63 in Leishmania spp.-derived exosomes/extracellular vesicles (EVs/LeishEXO) in modulating immune responses and exacerbating cutaneous leishmaniasis. The researchers confirmed the specificity of a novel model by analyzing the protein composition of the extracted EVs and found that GP63 was the primary virulence factor altered in the composition. They also demonstrated that EVs with different levels of GP63 cargo had distinct immunomodulatory capabilities and impact on the cutaneous pathology of Leishmania spp. infection. These findings provide new insights into the immune response and host-pathogen interaction in cutaneous leishmaniasis and have implications for the development of new treatments and vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Sofia Esteves, Ines Costa, Sara Luelmo, Nuno Santarem, Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
Summary: Leishmaniasis is an important neglected tropical disease without vaccines, and the available chemotherapy is suboptimal. Understanding parasite biology is essential for developing new strategies for disease control. Studies on the exoproteome, especially extracellular vesicles, have provided valuable information on parasite survival, pathogenesis, and relevant processes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shizhen Shen, Zhangjin Shen, Conghui Wang, Xiaodong Wu, Lingfang Wang, Lele Ye, Songfa Zhang, Xiaodong Cheng
Summary: In this study, a method for extracting extracellular vesicles (EVs) from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) tissues was optimized to investigate the effect of cryopreservation on the phenotypes, contents, and biological functions of the extracted EVs. The results showed that cryopreservation affected the yield and distribution of EVs, but not their morphology or particle mass ratio. The storage of tissues at -80°C increased both small and large EV yields, while the storage of lysates at -80°C decreased large EV yield and increased small EV yield. The cryopreserved EOC tissue retained a high percentage of proteins and miRNAs, and the extracted EVs could promote angiogenesis and invasive migration ability in human endothelial cells. This suggests that cryopreserved EOC tissue has clinical value for studying tissue-derived EVs, especially those related to EV proteins.
Review
Immunology
Yin-Fu Sun, Jiang Pi, Jun-Fa Xu
Summary: Exosomes are important signal transport vectors for cell-cell communication and immune modulation, playing a critical role in anti-MTB immune response. Infected-cell-derived exosomes trigger different immune responses during tuberculosis infection, highlighting their potential in developing new vaccination and treatment strategies for TB. Exosomes, as a novel kind of delivery system, show promise in the field of novel anti-MTB vaccines and therapies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Silvia Fischer, Elisabeth Deindl
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important for cell-to-cell communication by delivering various RNA, proteins, lipids, and nucleotides. Different types of EVs, including exosomes, cell surface-derived EVs, and apoptotic bodies, contain different RNA species and can be isolated, quantified, and characterized using specific methods.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fatih Inci
Summary: Isolating nanoparticles from complex fluids is crucial in various fields, and a microfluidic device with integrated filters has been developed to achieve multiple uses for separating exosomes from cell culture media.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hiu Yee Kwan, Minting Chen, Keyang Xu, Baisen Chen
Summary: This article critically reviews the impact of obesity on the exosomal cargo contents and the biogenesis of adipocyte-derived exosomes. It also discusses the differences in exosomal contents in different adipose depots, as well as the impact of obesity on exosomes derived from stromal vascular fraction components. The review also touches upon the development and potential application of exosome-based therapy for obesity and its comorbidities.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nekane Romero-Garcia, Javier Huete-Acevedo, Cristina Mas-Bargues, Jorge Sanz-Ros, Mar Dromant, Consuelo Borras
Summary: The exponential growth in the elderly population and their associated socioeconomic burden have recently brought aging research into the spotlight. To integrate current knowledge and guide potential interventions, nine biochemical pathways are summarized under the term hallmarks of aging. These hallmarks are deeply inter-related and act together to drive the aging process. Altered intercellular communication is particularly relevant since it explains how damage at the cellular level translates into age-related loss of function at the organismal level. As the main effectors of intercellular communication, extracellular vesicles (EVs) might play a key role in the aggravation or mitigation of the hallmarks of aging. This review aims to summarize this role and provide context for the multiple emerging EV-based gerotherapeutic strategies that are currently under study.
Review
Immunology
Jing Zhang, Ying Sun, Jingtong Zheng
Summary: Protozoan parasite infection leads to severe diseases in humans and animals, with natural immunity serving as the first line of defense. Extracellular traps (ETs) play a crucial role in immune resistance against various extracellular pathogens, including those induced by protozoan parasite infections. Further research on natural host immunity and understanding the mechanisms of ET formation may contribute to the prevention and treatment of parasitic diseases.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tamanna Mustajab, Moriasi Sheba Kwamboka, Da Ae Choi, Dae Wook Kang, Junho Kim, Kyu Ri Han, Yujin Han, Sorim Lee, Dajung Song, Yong-Joon Chwae
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people worldwide, affecting various aspects of life. Extracellular vesicles have emerged as a potential therapeutic and vaccine development tool against COVID-19, but there are obstacles to their clinical use that need to be addressed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu-Chen Jia, Yi-Xuan Ding, Wen-Tong Mei, Yu-Ting Wang, Zhi Zheng, Yuan-Xu Qu, Kuo Liang, Jia Li, Feng Cao, Fei Li
Summary: Comprehensive reviews and large population-based cohort studies have significantly reduced the incidence and mortality of pancreatitis. The study of extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, in pancreatitis has shown potential for identifying cell-to-cell communication and influencing the disease's development and progression. Plasma exosomes of acute pancreatitis can reach the alveolar cavity and activate alveolar macrophages to cause acute lung injury, suggesting their use as biomarkers and therapeutic agents for this disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Simon Scheck, Emily S. J. Paterson, Claire E. E. Henry
Summary: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that has negative impacts on quality of life and fertility. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a role in the development of endometriosis and have potential for diagnosis and treatment. However, there are challenges in standardizing EV isolation techniques and reporting, as well as comparing studies due to variations in patient population and sample collection methods.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sofia Esteves, Clara Lima, Ines Costa, Hugo Osorio, Carmen Fernandez-Becerra, Nuno Santarem, Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
Summary: Dogs are susceptible to many life-threatening conditions like Canine Leishmaniosis (CanL), making it important to identify proteins associated with plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) for biomarker development. In this study, EVs were recovered from healthy and CanL dogs' plasma and analyzed for their proteomic composition. CanL-associated proteins were identified, providing insights for biomarker discovery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Noelie Douanne, George Dong, Melanie Douanne, Martin Olivier, Christopher Fernandez-Prada
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Parasitology
Noelie Douanne, Victoria Wagner, Gaetan Roy, Philippe Leprohon, Marc Ouellette, Christopher Fernandez-Prada
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2020)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Arijit Bhattacharya, Audrey Corbeil, Rubens L. Monte-Neto, Christopher Fernandez-Prada
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
George Dong, Victoria Wagner, Aida Minguez-Menendez, Christopher Fernandez-Prada, Martin Olivier
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound delivery vehicles that can induce changes in neighboring cells' physiological status through the transfer of key molecules, potentially playing roles in various pathological processes. Leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania parasite, serves as an important case study where EVs are studied extensively for their involvement in disease exacerbation and drug resistance. Additionally, EVs are investigated for vaccine development and as potential biomarkers for disease and drug resistance.
MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anh Minh Thao Nguyen, Skye Brettell, Noelie Douanne, Claudia Duquette, Audrey Corbeil, Emanuella F. Fajardo, Martin Olivier, Christopher Fernandez-Prada, William D. Lubell
Summary: The study demonstrated that derivatives with a single methyl group in N-methylated lipopeptides exhibit higher activity against various strains of leishmaniasis protozoan and have relatively high potency against resistant strains. Additionally, the systematic study of the effects of methylation and turn geometry on anti-parasitic activity revealed the importance of an extended conformer about the central residues and conformational mobility by tertiary amide isomerization and turn geometry at the extremities of the active peptides.
Article
Parasitology
Chloe Rosa-Teijeiro, Victoria Wagner, Audrey Corbeil, Ilda D'Annessa, Philippe Leprohon, Rubens L. Do Monte-Neto, Christopher Fernandez-Prada
Summary: By exploring the whole genome, this study revealed that Leishmania can develop resistance to the TOP1B inhibitor topotecan through mutations in the large subunit of TOP1B, providing valuable insights for designing improved inhibitors to combat resistance in both leishmaniasis and cancer.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Medicinal
Rubens L. Monte-Neto, Christopher Fernandez-Prada, Nilmar S. Moretti
DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Ana Victoria Ibarra-Meneses, Audrey Corbeil, Victoria Wagner, Chukwuemeka Onwuchekwa, Christopher Fernandez-Prada
Summary: There is no consensus on the definition of asymptomatic Leishmania infection, and multiple testing methods are used to identify this population. Further research is needed to understand the importance of asymptomatic infections in leishmaniasis epidemiology.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Rubens L. Monte-Neto, Christopher Fernandez-Prada, Nilmar S. Moretti
Summary: Recently, it has been discovered that induced DNA damage in axenic culture facilitates genetic exchange in Leishmania hybrids, leading to the formation of full genome tetraploid progenies in vitro. Meiosis-related gene homologues HAP2, GEX1, and RAD51 play a crucial role in this process, opening up new avenues for functional genomic studies.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Hanae Pouillevet, Isabelle Langlois, Benjamin Lamglait, Christopher Fernandez-Prada, Shannon T. Ferrell, Emilie L. Couture
Summary: This case series aimed to describe and document the clinical presentations of Synhimantus nasuta infection in a flock of lorikeets. Clinical investigations were conducted on 11 lorikeets suspected of being infected with Synhimantus. Various parameters were documented and a total score was calculated to evaluate the severity of the infection. Four lorikeets were confirmed to have Synhimantus infection through fecal examination. High total scores were associated with clinical anemia, and both suspected and confirmed cases showed fecal occult blood.
JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Noelie Douanne, George Dong, Atia Amin, Lorena Bernardo, Mathieu Blanchette, David Langlais, Martin Olivier, Christopher Fernandez-Prada
Summary: This study investigates the DNA content of Leishmania extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their role in DNA transfer. It is found that drug-resistant EVs carry amplicons associated with drug-resistance genes. Transfer experiments demonstrate that the transferred DNA significantly impacts the phenotype of recipient parasites, enhancing their growth and ability to withstand oxidative stress. These findings provide evidence for the important role of eukaryotic EVs in horizontal gene transfer and adaptation to stressful environments.
Editorial Material
Immunology
Arijit Bhattacharya, Christopher Fernandez-Prada, Guillermo Daniel Alonso, Arunima Biswas
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ana Victoria Ibarra-Meneses, Audrey Corbeil, Victoria Wagner, Francis Beaudry, Rubens L. do Monte-Neto, Christopher Fernandez-Prada
Summary: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal tropical disease caused by Leishmania infantum. The lack of effective vaccine makes chemotherapy the only choice for treatment. However, drug resistance is becoming a major concern. In this study, a novel approach called thermal proteome profiling (TPP) was implemented to investigate the mode of action and resistance mechanisms of antileishmanial drugs, including antimony, miltefosine, and amphotericin B. The results provided insights into drug targets and candidate proteins involved in drug resistance, which could contribute to the development of diagnostic tools and new therapies.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Sophie Mainguy-Seers, Francis Beaudry, Christopher Fernandez-Prada, James G. Martin, Jean-Pierre Lavoie
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from LPS-stimulated neutrophils increased ASM proliferation, regardless of asthma severity. During disease exacerbation, certain proteins were significantly upregulated in neutrophil EVs, indicating an altered proteomic profile due to LPS stimulation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anh Minh Thao Nguyen, Moran Shalev-Benami, Chloe Rosa-Teijeiro, Ana Victoria Ibarra-Meneses, Ada Yonath, Anat Bashan, Charles L. Jaffe, Martin Olivier, Christopher Fernandez-Prada, William D. Lubell
Summary: A strategy for preparing potent anisomycin derivatives with reduced host toxicity has been revealed by assessing structure-activity relationships for anti-protozoan activity. Different modifications of the alcohol, amine, and aromatic functional groups have been studied, and it was found that introducing substituents at the para-phenol moiety of anisomycin can maintain the anti-protozoan potency without significant loss of activity against the host.
