Experimental parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Indigenous African chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) lack an anti-Trypanosoma factor and have a prospect for zoonotic transmission of African trypanosomiasis","authors":"Gideon Ibrahim Joseph ,&nbsp;Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>African trypanosomes evade host immune response through antigenic variation and utilize other immune modulatory mechanisms to survive in the immunologically hostile mammalian bloodstream. However, indigenous African chicken (<em>Gallus gallus domesticus</em>) exhibits lower susceptibility to trypanosomes, suggesting unique resistance mechanisms; but the exact factor(s) of resistance remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed resistance of indigenous African chickens to <em>T. brucei brucei</em> infection, and to assess their potential role as cryptic reservoirs in zoonotic transmission. Non-immunosuppressed and immunosuppressed chickens were intravenously inoculated with ∼2.5 × 10⁸ parasites, and parasitemia was monitored using microscopy, xenodiagnosis, and PCR. Rats served as controls and were intraperitoneally infected with 10⁴ parasites. Haematological parameters in both chickens and rats were assessed using standard methods. Furthermore, <em>in vitro</em> anti-<em>Trypanosoma</em> activity of normal and infected chicken blood components was evaluated. The results reveal that chickens displayed no microscopic parasitemia beyond 9 h post-infection (pi) and survived beyond 60 days, whereas rats passaged with over 10⁴-folds less trypanosomes developed parasitemia at day 5, which progressed and killed the rats between days 10–19. Further, while there were no significant haematological alterations over a 4-week observation period in the chicken, infected rats presented significant reductions in packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and red blood cell counts at peak infection, indicating anaemia sequelae. Additionally, infected rats exhibited neutropenia, lymphocytosis, increased hemolysis and mortality. Intriguingly, despite the observed trypanosomes suppression in chickens, incubation of trypanosomes with chicken blood, serum, or plasma revealed no intrinsic anti-<em>Trypanosoma</em> activity. But blood collected from infected chickens at 1- and 7-days post-infection successfully initiated infection in rats through xenodiagnosis, confirming transmissibility despite the absence of detectable parasitemia in chickens revealing a covert but potentially infectious state. Similarly, PCR detection at 7 dpi, indicated covert/suppressed infection. These findings suggest that indigenous African chickens, while resistant to overt trypanosomiasis, may act as cryptic reservoirs for <em>Trypanosoma</em> spp., potentially facilitating parasite zoonotic transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 109002"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144892912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis and its association with clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke; a case-control study in northeastern Iran","authors":"Amirali Ghahremani ,&nbsp;Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad ,&nbsp;Reza shafiei","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma <em>gondii</em> (T. <em>gondii</em>), a neurotropic protozoan associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and its influence on clinical outcomes. This case-control study included 100 AIS patients at Imam Hassan Hospital, Bojnourd. Stroke severity was assessed using the NIHSS on days one and seven post-admission. Disability was evaluated three months post-discharge with the mRS. A control group of 100 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals was included. Serum samples were tested for anti-T. <em>gondii</em> IgG and IgM antibodies using indirect ELISA. IgG avidity was measured with modified ELISA using urea treatment. No significant difference was observed in anti-Toxoplasma <em>gondii</em> IgG seroprevalence between AIS patients (48 %) and controls (35 %, <em>P</em> = 0.084), with all subjects seronegative for IgM. However, seropositive AIS patients had significantly higher 3-month mRS scores, indicating greater disability. Anti-T. <em>gondii</em> IgG levels were significantly elevated in the AIS group and correlated with higher 24-h NIHSS scores, reflecting increased stroke severity. No differences in IgG avidity were found. Although our findings do not establish T. <em>gondii</em> infection as a direct risk factor for AIS, they suggest a potential role in disease pathogenesis and outcomes. However, further studies are needed to validate these observations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 109003"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144879368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In-vitro experiments suggest Ixodes ricinus nymphs prefer blood with Borrelia infection and low glucocorticoid levels.","authors":"Tosca Vanroy, Bram Catfolis, Elin Verbrugghe, Kris Verheyen, Luc Lens, Diederik Strubbe, Frank Pasmans, An Martel, Siska Croubels, Marc Cherlet, Lander Baeten","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108999","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ticks play a significant role in the transmission of various pathogens, impacting both human and animal health. Understanding the factors influencing tick feeding preferences is crucial for mitigating the risk of tick-borne diseases. This study investigates the blood preference of Ixodes ricinus nymphs, focusing on host species, stress hormone levels (glucocorticoids), and the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. bacteria. We conducted three series of in vitro experiments using a setup where individual blood drops (15 μl) were placed on filter paper over a 37 °C plate. Ticks were placed in the center, and their movements were tracked for 2 min to record preferences. The first experiment tested preferences for blood from different hosts (mouse, bird, sheep). The second examined the role of stress hormones by offering blood with varying levels of added cortisol and corticosterone (0, 10, 100, 1000 ng/ml). The third experiment investigated the potential influence of Borrelia infection, combined with elevated stress hormone levels, on blood preference. Our results show that I. ricinus nymphs preferred blood without added glucocorticoids and, in mice, blood with Borrelia infection. No clear preference for a specific host species was observed. These findings offer insights into how host physiological state may affect tick host selection, even though I. ricinus may not always have the opportunity to choose between hosts. Future studies should explore these interactions in more biologically relevant models to better understand the dynamics of tick attachment and feeding. Unraveling these mechanisms could aid in developing new strategies to control tick-borne diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"108999"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144768561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A novel colourimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid field-level detection of Theileria orientalis","authors":"Sunkara Prathyusha ,&nbsp;R. Radhika ,&nbsp;Bindu Lakshmanan ,&nbsp;K. Syamala ,&nbsp;Marykutty Thomas ,&nbsp;K. Justin Davis ,&nbsp;K. Devada","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108983","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108983","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Theileria orientalis</em>, the causative agent of oriental theileriosis is a globally distributed protozoan parasite affecting livestock. Rapid and accurate parasite detection is crucial for effective disease management and evaluating therapeutic interventions. The high prevalence of <em>T. orientalis</em> in Kerala, a south Indian state demanded the development of a sensitive field tool for specific detection. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a rapid and highly sensitive nucleic acid amplification technique conducted under isothermal conditions. In this study, a LAMP assay was developed targeting the major piroplasm surface protein <em>(MPSP)</em> gene of <em>T. orientalis</em> using colourimetric dyes (both hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB) and phenol red) for improved visual detection of amplification. This assay utilised a set of six specifically designed primers, recognizing eight distinct regions on the target gene. Both wet LAMP assays demonstrated the ability to amplify DNA at levels as low as 10⁻⁴ ng (0.1 pg), corresponding to a parasitaemia level of 0.0012 % and exhibited higher detection abilities than PCR. The assay also demonstrated high specificity, with no amplification observed for DNA template from other haemoprotozoans. Positive LAMP products were identified by a distinct colour change from violet to blue and pink to yellow for HNB and phenol red dyes, respectively. Results were confirmed using agarose gel electrophoresis, showing characteristic ladder patterns. The LAMP assays detected <em>T. orientalis</em> in 62.8 % of samples, outperforming PCR (60 %) and microscopy (52.8 %). With a sensitivity of 100 %, specificity of 93 %, positive predictive value of 95.54 % and negative predictive value of 100 %, the wet LAMP assay demonstrated diagnostic efficacy for <em>T. orientalis</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 108983"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144764726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis (Spreng) R. M. King & H. Rob (Asteraceae) on Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae)","authors":"Sâmia F. Silva ,&nbsp;Fernanda Batista-Santos ,&nbsp;Thiago Santos ,&nbsp;Débora M. Lima ,&nbsp;Raquel MF. Sousa ,&nbsp;Ricardo A. Barata","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In Brazil, <em>Leishmania infantum</em> is transmitted mainly through the bite of the sand fly <em>Lutzomyia longipalpis</em>, the main visceral leishmaniasis (VL) vector. Although the most common vector control strategy is the application of synthetic insecticides, growing resistance to these products has sparked interest in developing new alternatives. In this context, plants emerge as a viable possibility due to the diversity of secondary metabolites with insecticidal potential. This work aimed to chemically characterize the essential oil of <em>Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis</em> and evaluate its toxicity on <em>L. longipalpis</em>. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus from fresh leaves of <em>P. brasiliensis</em> and chemically analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For the bioassay, sand flies were collected in the field and then exposed to different concentrations of the essential oil (2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg mL⁻¹), also being used in the negative and positive control group. The mortality rate was assessed at established times. GC-MS analysis of essential oil of the <em>P. brasiliensis</em> identified 49 compounds with the predominance of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. α-Pinene and isobicyclogermacrenal as the main constituents of the relative peak area of the total ion chromatogram with 17.9 and 13.3 %, respectively. The bioassay showed toxicity of <em>P. brasiliensis</em> essential oil on <em>L. longipalpis</em> at all concentrations evaluated, showing it to be a promising natural insecticide to be used in vector control of VL.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 109004"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144885514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Upregulation of nicotinamide/nicotinate mononucleotide adenylyl transferase increases resistance to oxidative stress and antimony in promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis","authors":"Esteban León ,&nbsp;Milena Maya-Hoyos ,&nbsp;María H. Ramírez-Hernández ,&nbsp;Jair Téllez ,&nbsp;Luis E. Contreras R","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108979","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108979","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leishmaniasis is a prevalent parasitic neglected disease caused by protozoans of the genus <em>Leishmania</em>. Currently, no vaccines are available for humans, and existing treatments are ineffective because of their toxicity and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Consequently, it is crucial to identify new potential therapeutic targets, thereby facilitating the development of effective therapies. This study indicates a correlation between the upregulated biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and the resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and trivalent antimony exposure (Sb³⁺) in <em>L. braziliensis</em> promastigotes. CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing of the nicotinamide/nicotinate mononucleotide adenylyl transferase in <em>L. braziliensis</em> (<em>Lbnmnat</em>), the key gene in the NAD biosynthetic pathway, allowed upregulation at both the mRNA and protein levels, as well as elevated NAD and NADP contents in the <em>Lbnmnat</em>-edited parasites. A single guide RNA template, directed against the 5′ end of the <em>Lbnmnat</em> and a donor DNA consisting of the <em>mCherry</em> reporter gene preceded by the 5’ UTR from the <em>Crithidia fasciculata</em> phosphoglycerate kinase (<em>CfPGKB</em>) were electroporated into <em>L. braziliensis</em> promastigotes that constitutively express the <em>Streptococcus pyogenes</em> Cas9 and T7 RNA polymerase. PCR analysis and DNA sequencing demonstrated the successful editing of the <em>Lbnmnat</em> gene. Importantly, dose-dependent oxidative stress susceptibility assays to H₂O₂ and Sb³⁺ revealed higher IC₅₀ values in the <em>Lbnmnat</em>-edited parasites. These findings denote a correlation between the upregulated biosynthesis of NAD in <em>L. braziliensis</em> and its enhanced resistance to oxidative stress, indicating that the <em>Lbnmnat</em> gene may play a significant role in the survival and resistance mechanisms of the parasite against antimony compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 108979"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144474385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimalarial potentials, toxicological impacts, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of ethanol extract of Spondias mombin Linn","authors":"Nicodemus Emeka Nwankwo ,&nbsp;Obiora Emmanuel Abonyi ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Henry Ezenabor ,&nbsp;Bartholomew Onyekachi Okolo","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108984","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108984","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating new treatment approaches. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanol extract from <em>Spondias mombin</em> leaves on parasitemia, hematological parameters, oxidative stress, liver and kidney function, and serum electrolyte levels in malaria-infected mice. The experimental mice were infected with <em>P. berghei</em> and treated with graded doses of <em>Spondias mombin</em> ethanol extract. Hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, platelet count, Hb, PCV), antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPx), oxidative stress markers, liver function biomarkers (ALP, AST, ALT, total bilirubin), kidney function biomarkers (urea, creatinine, direct bilirubin), and electrolyte levels (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻) were measured. Different doses of the extract alongside the standard drug significantly inhibited parasite growth. The extract significantly improved hematological parameters and showed no significant effect on SOD activity. CAT activity increased at 100 mg/kg, while GPX activity was highest in controls and lowest at 200 mg/kg. MDA levels decreased significantly at 200 mg/kg. AST and ALP activities varied dose-dependently, reaching a peak at 200 mg/kg. ALT and total bilirubin levels remained stable. Direct bilirubin levels increased at 100 and 200 mg/kg, while urea and creatinine indicated renal stress at higher doses. Sodium and potassium levels decreased dose-dependently, with stable Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ levels. A total of 65 bioactive components were found following the results of the GC-MS analysis. Significant antioxidant and antimalarial properties are shown by this extract, and its steady electrolyte levels and low liver stress imply safety. To identify the precise antimalarial bioactive components and their modes of action, more investigation is required. Conclusively, ethanol extract from <em>Spondias mombin</em> shows promise as a malaria adjuvant treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 108984"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144518744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exposure to Bisphenol-A increases susceptibility to Trypanosoma cruzi infection","authors":"Aracely López-Monteon ,&nbsp;Anahí Sosa-Arróniz ,&nbsp;Mariana Colorado-Zuñiga ,&nbsp;Enrique Méndez-Bolaina ,&nbsp;Jesús Torres-Montero ,&nbsp;Angel Ramos-Ligonio","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108990","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108990","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, disrupts hormonal and chemical signaling within the body, negatively impacting health. One target of this disruption is the immune system. While BPA has been implicated in increased susceptibility to some pathogen infections, its effects on protozoan parasite infections remain understudied. This work evaluated the effect of BPA exposure on experimental <em>Trypanosoma cruzi</em> parasitemia in BALB/c mice.</div><div>Parasitemia was evaluated in BALB/c mice by counting parasites in a Neubauer chamber. Additionally, ELISA assays were used to identify the presence of antibodies, cytokine gene expression was analyzed by RT-PCR, and liver marker levels were quantified using enzymatic kinetic methods. Both pre- and post-exposure to BPA increased parasitemia during <em>T. cruzi</em> infection and decreased levels of IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b isotypes. Furthermore, BPA modulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to infection. In addition, all mice exposed to BPA showed alterations in liver enzymes compared to the control group. These results demonstrate that the immune system during critical periods of <em>T. cruzi</em> infection is highly sensitive to BPA exposure, increasing susceptibility to the parasite.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 108990"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144711395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Furan derivative affects the cell division and mitochondrial integrity of tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii","authors":"Juliana de Araujo Portes ,&nbsp;Anushree Achari ,&nbsp;Jayaraman Vinayagam ,&nbsp;Pinaki Bhattacharjee ,&nbsp;Sourav Chatterjee ,&nbsp;Parasuraman Jaisankar ,&nbsp;Wanderley de Souza","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108988","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108988","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is an obligate intracellular protozoan, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. The current treatment against toxoplasmosis is based on the combination of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine, which are toxic and unable to clear the infection. Due to the need for new active drugs against <em>T. gondii</em>, we have described here the effects of Furan derivatives on <em>T. gondii in vitro</em>. They were previously used with relevant activity against <em>Leishmania amazonensis</em> and <em>Trypanosoma cruzi.</em> The <em>anti-Toxoplasma</em> effects of the furan derivatives were evaluated using tachyzoites of <em>T. gondii</em> from RH strain and as host cells the human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) and the epithelial lineage from Macaca mulatta LLC-MK2. High-content screening and other microscopy techniques were employed to analyze the infected cells after incubation in the presence of the compounds tested. The most effective derivative was <strong>3g</strong>, presenting a 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 4.3 μM after 48 h of incubation. The 50 % cytotoxic concentration (CC50) in the host cells was 50 μM after a 72-h treatment. The ultrastructural analysis showed that after treatment the parasites presented cytoplasmic emptying, mitochondrial swelling, and interference with cell division<strong>.</strong> It was revealed by TUNEL assay that the parasites dyed in part due to an apoptosis-like cell death. These findings suggest that the furan derivative <strong>3g</strong> is a potential candidate for further studies <em>in vivo</em> to find alternative drugs to treat <em>T. gondii</em> infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 108988"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Computational design of inhibitory peptides and an mRNA-Based multi-epitope vaccine targeting the MIC3 protein of Eimeria tenella","authors":"Roohollah Fattahi ,&nbsp;Ali Shivaee ,&nbsp;Maryam Bahraminia ,&nbsp;Nazanin Omidi ,&nbsp;Behrooz Sadeghi Kalani","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108986","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108986","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study addresses coccidiosis, a prevalent disease causing significant economic losses, and focuses on the EtMIC3 protein due to its critical role in Eimeria <em>tenella</em> pathogenesis. Our goal is to develop innovative therapeutic and preventive strategies leveraging the potential of the EtMIC3 protein.</div><div>In this investigation, we evaluate the interaction of the EtMIC3 protein with its receptors, develop inhibitory peptides, and select epitopes from EtMIC3 using immunoinformatic tools. We assess the presentation of these epitopes to immune cells, model a multi-epitope protein, predict the mRNA structure, and evaluate the immune response to the newly designed vaccine.</div><div>Docking studies indicated that the predicted peptides exhibited a strong affinity for binding to the EtMIC3 protein, with identified epitopes residing within the antigen-binding groove of their respective MHC alleles. The developed vaccine demonstrated stability, non-toxicity, and non-allergenicity, effectively eliciting responses from both the innate and adaptive immune systems.</div><div>These findings suggest that the EtMIC3 protein is a promising target for both the inhibition of <em>E. tenella</em> and vaccine development. However, further validation through experimental and clinical studies is essential to corroborate these computational predictions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"275 ","pages":"Article 108986"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}