Schistosoma mansoni SmKI-1 serine protease inhibitor binds to elastase and impairs neutrophil function and inflammation

PLoS Pathog. 2018 Feb 9;14(2):e1006870. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006870. eCollection 2018 Feb.

Abstract

Protease inhibitors have important function during homeostasis, inflammation and tissue injury. In this study, we described the role of Schistosoma mansoni SmKI-1 serine protease inhibitor in parasite development and as a molecule capable of regulating different models of inflammatory diseases. First, we determine that recombinant (r) SmKI-1 and its Kunitz domain but not the C-terminal region possess inhibitory activity against trypsin and neutrophil elastase (NE). To better understand the molecular basis of NE inhibition by SmKI-1, molecular docking studies were also conducted. Docking results suggest a complete blockage of NE active site by SmKI-1 Kunitz domain. Additionally, rSmKI-1 markedly inhibited the capacity of NE to kill schistosomes. In order to further investigate the role of SmKI-1 in the parasite, we designed specific siRNA to knockdown SmKI-1 in S. mansoni. SmKI-1 gene suppression in larval stage of S. mansoni robustly impact in parasite development in vitro and in vivo. To determine the ability of SmKI-1 to interfere with neutrophil migration and function, we tested SmKI-1 anti-inflammatory potential in different murine models of inflammatory diseases. Treatment with SmKI-1 rescued acetaminophen (APAP)-mediated liver damage, with a significant reduction in both neutrophil recruitment and elastase activity. In the model of gout arthritis, this protein reduced neutrophil accumulation, IL-1β secretion, hypernociception, and overall pathological score. Finally, we demonstrated the ability of SmKI-1 to inhibit early events that trigger neutrophil recruitment in pleural cavities of mice in response to carrageenan. In conclusion, SmKI-1 is a key protein in S. mansoni survival and it has the ability to inhibit neutrophil function as a promising therapeutic molecule against inflammatory diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Leukocyte Elastase / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Neutrophils / drug effects*
  • Neutrophils / physiology
  • Protein Binding
  • Schistosoma mansoni* / immunology
  • Schistosoma mansoni* / metabolism
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / immunology
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / metabolism
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / metabolism*
  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Serine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Leukocyte Elastase

Grants and funding

This study was supported by "Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnologico-CNPq" to SCO (grants# 302660/2015-1 and 465229/2014-0, www.cnpq.br) and "Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais-FAPEMIG" to SCO (grants# APQ-03535-13, APQ 00704-14 and Rede Mineira de Imunobiologicos 00140-16, www.fapemig.br). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.