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Non-specific activation of mouse peritoneal macrophages by a freshwater ciliate, Tetrahymena pyriformis
1Department of Parasitology, Inha University College of Medicine, Inchon, Korea.
Abstract:
Toxoplasma-killing activities of mouse peritoneal macrophages activated by the extracts of Tetrahymena pyriformis (Korean and Chinese strains) were evaluated, and the active protein fractions from both strains were partially characterized by a method including chromatographies and SDS-PAGE. The first peak in Korean strain and the second peak in Chinese strain of T. pyriformis obtained by DEAE-Sephadex A-50 chromatography were most effective in the activation of macrophages to kill Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in vitro. Subsequent fractionations of obtained peak fractions were performed on a Sephadex G-200 gel. The first peaks fractionated from both strains of T. pyriformis had the highest toxoplasmacidal activities, and when subjected to the SDS-PAGE, one prominent band was visualized for each of the strains showing the same molecular weight of ca. 52.6 kDa. This active protein is suggested to be related to non-specific activation of mouse peritoneal macrophages.
Insights
Extracts from Tetrahymena pyriformis activate mouse macrophages to kill Toxoplasma gondii. Active protein fractions, around 52.6 kDa, were identified from both Korean and Chinese strains.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasite causing toxoplasmosis.
- Macrophage activation is crucial for controlling parasitic infections.
- Tetrahymena pyriformis extracts are explored for immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Toxoplasma-killing activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages activated by Tetrahymena pyriformis extracts.
- To partially characterize the active protein fractions responsible for macrophage activation.
Main Methods:
- Macrophage activation assays using T. pyriformis extracts (Korean and Chinese strains).
- Protein fractionation using DEAE-Sephadex A-50 chromatography and Sephadex G-200 gel filtration.
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) for molecular weight determination.
Main Results:
- Specific fractions from both T. pyriformis strains significantly enhanced macrophage activity against T. gondii tachyzoites in vitro.
- The most active fractions corresponded to a single protein band of approximately 52.6 kDa on SDS-PAGE for both strains.
- These active proteins are implicated in the non-specific activation of mouse peritoneal macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Tetrahymena pyriformis contains protein(s) capable of activating macrophages to combat Toxoplasma gondii.
- A ~52.6 kDa protein from T. pyriformis shows significant toxoplasmacidal activity.
- This finding suggests a potential therapeutic or prophylactic application of T. pyriformis extracts in toxoplasmosis.