Illuminating Host-Parasite Interaction at the Cellular and Subcellular Levels with Infrared Microspectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Parasitology
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an opportunistic protozoan parasite.
• It can cause severe brain infections in immunocompromised individuals.
• T. gondii invades host cells and alters their microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the chemical and molecular changes in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) infected with T. gondii.
• To utilize label-free spectroscopic imaging and transcriptomic analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy (conventional and synchrotron-based) was used to analyze infected hBMECs.
• High spatial resolution spectra were obtained from within single cells, distinguishing nucleus and cytosol.
• RNA sequencing was performed on infected and uninfected hBMECs.

Main Results:

• FTIR microspectroscopy effectively revealed chemical alterations in infected hBMECs.
• Distinct spectral differences were observed between infected and uninfected cellular compartments.
• RNA sequencing identified significant changes in host cell gene expression and pathways.

Conclusions:

• FTIR microspectroscopy and transcriptomic analysis provide valuable insights into host cell responses to T. gondii infection.
• These methods can differentiate infected from uninfected cellular components.
• The study elucidates molecular changes in hBMECs during T. gondii invasion.