Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1956. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 51-53).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1962. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 64-68).

The objective of this study was to produce a monoclonal antibody specific for the microgametocytes of Eimeria tenella, examine the site and stage specificity of the antibody, and investigate the immunopotency of the antibody. BALB/c mice were immunized with antigen containing Eimeria tenella microgametocytes isolated from in vitro systems. After three intraperitoneal immunizations with the antigen and one booster immunization administered by tail vein injection, the mice were sacrificed and their spleen cells fused with SP2/0 mouse myeloma cells using polyethylene glycol as a fusing agent. Resultant hybridomas were screened by immunoelectrophoresis, indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay, and immunoelectron microscopy to determine the isotype, subisotype, site and stages pecificity of the antibody. Of four 96 well plates seeded with fusion products, four hybridomas were found to be producing anti body specific for the target antigen. Only the most strongly positive of these hybridomas, clone T1A3B9, was used for the study. The antibody produced by this hybridoma was found to be of sub isotype IgG2b. T1A389 monoclonal antibody was introduced into Eimeria tenella infected cell cultures on days four, five, and six post-infection. At seven days post-infection, oocyst production was assayed by fixing, staining, and counting the resultant oocysts. Results of the in vitro experiments showed a greater than 50X reduction in oocyst product ion in experimental cultures over controls. Statistical significance of the data were confirmed by a Mann-Whitney U Test. These results indicate that the monoclonal a ntibod y was exert ing an inhibitory effect on the fertilization process. T1A3B9 monoclonal antibody was incubated with Eimeria tenella infected cecal scrapings and cell culture material, immunolabeled with colloidal gold conjugates, and observed by electron microscopy. Results showed that the antibody was binding to the microgametocytes and to no other life cycle stages of the parasite, nor was it binding to host tissue. This indicates that the antibody is stage specific. Additionally, the antibody was seen to bind only to areas in close proximity to the budding flagella of developing microgametes, thus indicating distinct site specificity.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1962. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 92-97).

Eimeria tenella é umas das principais espécies que causam a coccidiose aviária. Para se estudar o perfil de expressão gênico quantitativo em estágios infectantes bibliotecas de LongSAGE foram geradas a partir de merozoítos e esporozoítos. Mais de 35.000 tags foram obtidas, das quais, 9.516 eram únicas. Para a identificação e anotação de genes diferencialmente expressos, as tags foram extraídas, contadas e analisadas estatisticamente por um pacote desenvolvido pelo nosso grupo, SAGE Analysis. Um total de 197 seqüências foram reconstruídas e anotadas automaticamente. Foi observado uma expressão estágio-específica e perfil transcricional distinto entre os estágios. Em merozoítos, foram encontradas proteínas envolvidas na tradução e manutenção da conformação protéica e em esporozoítos, os resultados positivos foram relacionados à cromatina, transporte e atividade catalítica. Para validação da técnica, a expressão diferencial de um pequeno conjunto de genes foi quantificada por RT-qPCR. Os resultados demonstraram uma boa correlação entre estas duas plataformas. / Eimeria tenella is one of the most important causing agents of poultry coccidiosis. To study the quantitative gene expression profile in zoite stages of LongSage libraries were generated from merozoites and sporozoites. More than 35.000 tags were obtained, whose 9.516 were unique. For identification and annotation of differential expressed genes, tags were extracted, counted and submitted to statistical analysis by Sage Analysis, software developed by our group. A total of 197 tags were reconstructed and automatic annotated. Stage-specific expression genes and distinct transcriptional profile were observed between these stages. In merozoites the results were related to protein translation and folding, and in sporozoites the proteins were involved to chromatin structure, transport and catalytic activity. To LongSAGE validation, differential expression was quantified using RT-qPCR to a small group of genes. Good correlation was observed between these platforms.

Eimeria tenella est l’un des parasites apicomplexes à l’origine de la coccidiose aviaire, l’une des plus importantes maladies parasitaires de l’industrie avicole. Dans le but de caractériser les facteurs de pathogénicité d’E. tenella, nous nous sommes intéressés aux protéases et plus particulièrement aux aminopeptidases N. Nous avons caractérisé Et-ApN1 et identifié Et-ApN3, deux aminopeptidases d’E. tenella. Et-ApN1 présente de fortes homologies avec PfA-M1, l’homologue de Plasmodium falciparum, au niveau des séquences, des structures, des propriétés biochimiques, du clivage et de la localisation. L’ensemble des résultats suggèrent qu’Et-ApN1 est impliquée dans le développement parasitaire. Pour évaluer son rôle de cible thérapeutique potentielle, nous avons criblé une bibliothèque de molécules et identifié une nouvelle molécule le C36, qui inhibe directement l’activité d’Et-ApN1 et entraîne un arrêt du développement d’E. tenella in vitro. Cet effet inhibiteur est également observé chez Toxoplasma gondii et P. falciparum. Dans le but d’améliorer la solubilité du C36 pour de futures études in vivo, le C36 a été pharmaco-modulé. Les perspectives de ces travaux viseront à prouver l’implication directe des Et-ApN dans le développement d’E. tenella. / Eimeria tenella is an apicomplexan parasite causing avian coccidiosis, one of the most important parasitic diseases in world poultry industry. To identify E. tenella pathogenesis factors, we were interested in proteases and more specifically in aminopeptidases N. We characterized Et-ApN1 and identified Et-ApN3, two aminopeptidases of E. tenella. We revealed strong homologies in the sequences, structures, biochemical properties, cleavage patterns and localization between Et-ApN1 and PfA-M1, the homologue from Plasmodium falciparum. Taken together, our results suggest that, as PfA-M1, Et-ApN1 is involved in parasite development and could be considered as a therapeutic target. To confirm this hypothesis, we screened a small molecule library and identified the compound C36. This molecule not only inhibits Et-ApN1 but also the in vitro development of E. tenella. This inhibition of parasite development was also observed for Toxoplasma gondii and P. falciparum. In perspectives, a pharmaco-modulation approach will be performed to improve chemical properties of the compound C36. New molecules derived from C36 will then be tested in vivo. Future studies will aim to prove the direct implication of Et-ApN in E. tenella development.

Les parasites du genre Eimeria sont des parasites apicomplexes provoquant des maladies graves, appelées coccidioses. Ce genre compte sept espèces qui envahissent spécifiquement les cellules épithéliales des intestins de poulet. L’espèce de choix étudiée dans notre laboratoire est Eimeria tenella. La prophylaxie repose sur les vaccins qui sont onéreux et les traitements anticoccidiens, qui sont administrés dans l’alimentation dès l’éclosion du poussin. Depuis 50 ans, l’utilisation massive de ces molécules s’accompagne de l’émergence de populations parasitaires résistantes. Les modes d’action des cibles parasitaires des anticcocidiens étant peu connus, il est difficile de mettre en place une stratégie de contournement de la résistance. Dans l’optique de répondre aux besoins des éleveurs, une collaboration entre le laboratoire de chimie organique et celui de parasitologie a été mise en place en utilisant la capacité de composés chimiques à inhiber l’invasion ou le développement des parasites. Notre stratégie repose sur la syntèse, le développement ainsi que l’évaluation de l’efficacité des composés pouvant potentiellement être utilisés en tant qu’inhibiteurs de la coccidiose aviaire. Un criblage de composés nous a permis d’identifier deux composés « chefs de files », inhibant le processus d’invasion et de développement des parasites au sein de la cellule hôte. Les pharmacomodulations entreprises ont engendrés la découverte de composés plus actifs avec des valeurs d’IC50 égales à 0,8 et 3,4 µM respectivement. / Intracellular developing parasites that belong to the apicomplexan phylum represent a great threat to both animal and human being health. Apicomplexan contains a genus of parasites called Eimeria. This genus is composed of seven species which cause avian coccidiosis such as E. tenella, the most virulent agent. Control of E. tenella is presently accomplished by a prophylaxis that uses vaccines and anticoccidial drugs. However, the rapid emergence of drug resisitant parasites coupled with the expense of most vaccines has led us to a search of new approaches to control coccidiosis via the synthesis of new compounds. In order to achieve that goal, collaboration between two laboratories has been established. Our strategy relies on the laboratories scientific knowledge in two complementary domains such as oraganic chemistry and parasitology. Our research is based on the effectiveness that synthesized compounds could have to inhibit parasites first steps of infection of the host cells. The screening of compounds has led us to the discovery of two lead compound inhibiting the invasion and development process of the parasites. Undertaken pharmacomodulations of these leads have allowed us to lower these concentrations values to 0,8 and 3,4 µM

Eimeria tenella é umas das principais espécies que causam a coccidiose aviária. Para se estudar o perfil de expressão gênico quantitativo em estágios infectantes bibliotecas de LongSAGE foram geradas a partir de merozoítos e esporozoítos. Mais de 35.000 tags foram obtidas, das quais, 9.516 eram únicas. Para a identificação e anotação de genes diferencialmente expressos, as tags foram extraídas, contadas e analisadas estatisticamente por um pacote desenvolvido pelo nosso grupo, SAGE Analysis. Um total de 197 seqüências foram reconstruídas e anotadas automaticamente. Foi observado uma expressão estágio-específica e perfil transcricional distinto entre os estágios. Em merozoítos, foram encontradas proteínas envolvidas na tradução e manutenção da conformação protéica e em esporozoítos, os resultados positivos foram relacionados à cromatina, transporte e atividade catalítica. Para validação da técnica, a expressão diferencial de um pequeno conjunto de genes foi quantificada por RT-qPCR. Os resultados demonstraram uma boa correlação entre estas duas plataformas. / Eimeria tenella is one of the most important causing agents of poultry coccidiosis. To study the quantitative gene expression profile in zoite stages of LongSage libraries were generated from merozoites and sporozoites. More than 35.000 tags were obtained, whose 9.516 were unique. For identification and annotation of differential expressed genes, tags were extracted, counted and submitted to statistical analysis by Sage Analysis, software developed by our group. A total of 197 tags were reconstructed and automatic annotated. Stage-specific expression genes and distinct transcriptional profile were observed between these stages. In merozoites the results were related to protein translation and folding, and in sporozoites the proteins were involved to chromatin structure, transport and catalytic activity. To LongSAGE validation, differential expression was quantified using RT-qPCR to a small group of genes. Good correlation was observed between these platforms.

Cecal coccidiosis, caused by the protozoan Eimeria tenella, may manifest as a devastating disease in young chickens and result in substantial economic loss for producers. The parasite progresses through a complex life cycle, exhibiting both asexual and sexual (gamont) stages of development. The purpose of this study was to produce a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against epitopes contained on surface antigens (Ags) of the gamonts of E. tenella with the intent of blocking the fertilization process. Gamonts were harvested from infected ceca, partially purified by differential centrifugation throught a discontinuous 5050% Percoll density gradient and used as a source of Ag for the production of MoAbs. Immune spleen cells collected from Robertsonian (strain RBF/Dn) mice were fused with FOX-NY myeloma cells and the resultant MoAb-secreting hybridomas screened by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). A panel of 13 MoAbs (1 IgG2a and 12 IgG1) was selected form a bank of 94 hybridomas. The Ag specificity of the MoAbs was determined by processing infected cecal mucosa smears and noninfected and infected cecal cross sections through the IFAT procedures. It is likely that the panel of 13 MoAbs exhibits specificity for Ags on or in the macrogamonts of E. tenella. Specificity may not be restricted to macrogamonts, however, since common epitopes make exist between microgamonts and microgamonts. In vitro studies were begun to determine the ability of the MoAbs to inhibit gamont fertilization. Merozoites were inoculated into a monolayer of chick kidney cells, and in vitro development of the parasite was monitored. Data were insufficient for statistical analysis, since the merozoites did not develop to the oocyst stage.

In recent years it has become apparent that when studying plant-herbivore interactions, it is important to also consider the multitrophic context, i.e. to what extent generalist and specialist enemies act as bodyguards for the plant. I have performed a field experiment with 25 genets, varying in plant defense levels, of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and its herbivore, the chrysomelid beetle Galerucella tenella. Each genet was treated with four different density manipulations of G. tenella (5, 15, 30, and 60 larvae per genet). The experiment was set up on an archipelago island with natural levels of a specialist hymenopteran parasitoid Asecodes parviclava and generalist natural enemies. I set up the following hypotheses: 1) larval survival will be higher on less defended plants than on more defended plants, 2) the proportion of parasitoids will be higher on more defended plants, and 3) larval survival will increase with increasing larval densities. The most important findings of the experiment were an overall very low total survival of larvae (G. tenella pupae and A. parviclava mummies), a generally high parasitism by A. parviclava on more defended plants, and that two groups of generalist predators (hunting and web-forming spiders) were more frequent on less defended plants. My study suggests that herbivore survival may not be higher on less defended plants under situations with abundant occurrence of generalist predators, as they are able to trace high-quality foraging sites.