High-content imaging assay to evaluate Toxoplasma gondii infection and proliferation: A multiparametric assay to screen new compounds

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201678
• Publication Date: 2018-08-29T16:09:05Z
• Authors: Bastien Touquet; Léonie Pelissier; Pierre Cavailles; Wei Yi; Valeria Bellini; Corinne Mercier; Marie-France Cesb...; Ahcène Boumendjel; Delphine Aldebert
• Keywords: High-Content Screening; Intracellular parasite; Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite widely distributed in animals and humans. Infection of host cells proliferation are essential steps pathology. The objective this study was to develop validate a novel automatic High Content Imaging (HCI) assay T. infection proliferation. We tested various fluorescent markers strategies image analysis obtain automated method providing results comparable those from gold standard assays. No significant difference observed between the obtained HCI assays (manual fluorescence microscopy incorporation [3H]-uracil). developed here robust time-saving assay. This technology then used screen library compounds belonging four classes either natural or synthetic derivatives. Inhibition cell toxicity were measured same led identification one hit, thiosemicarbazone that allows important inhibition while being relatively safe for cells.