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Developmental expression of two spore wall proteins during maturation of the microsporidian Encephalitozoon
J R Hayman1, S F Hayes, J Amon
1Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0425, USA. rhayman@niaid.nih.gov
Abstract:
Microsporidia are intracellular eukaryotes that infect many animals and cause opportunistic infections in AIDS patients. The disease is transmitted via environmentally resistant spores. Two spore wall constituents from the microsporidian Encephalitozoon intestinalis were characterized. Spore wall protein 1 (SWP1), a 50-kDa glycoprotein recognized by monoclonal antibody (MAb) 11B2, was detected in developing sporonts and at low levels on the surfaces of mature spores. In contrast, SWP2, a 150-kDa glycoprotein recognized by MAb 7G7, was detected on fully formed sporonts and was more abundant on mature spores than SWP1. Nevertheless, the SWPs appeared to be complexed on the surfaces of mature spores. SWP1 and SWP2 are similar at the DNA and protein levels and have 10 conserved cysteines in the N-terminal domain, suggesting similar secondary structures. The C-terminal domain of SWP2 has a unique region containing 50 repeating 12- or 15-amino-acid units that lacks homology to known protein motifs. Antibodies from mice infected with E. intestinalis recognized SWP1 and SWP2. The characterization of two immunogenic SWPs from E. intestinalis will allow the study of exospore structure and function and may lead to the development of useful tools in the diagnosis and treatment of microsporidiosis.
Insights
Researchers characterized two spore wall proteins (SWPs) from Encephalitozoon intestinalis, crucial for microsporidian spore structure. This study advances understanding of microsporidiosis, aiding potential diagnostic and therapeutic developments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens causing disease in immunocompromised individuals.
- Transmission occurs through environmentally resistant spores, necessitating understanding of spore structure.
- Encephalitozoon intestinalis is a significant microsporidian species with implications for human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize two major spore wall proteins (SWPs) from Encephalitozoon intestinalis.
- To investigate the structure, immunogenicity, and potential roles of SWP1 and SWP2.
- To lay the groundwork for developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools for microsporidiosis.
Main Methods:
- Protein characterization using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs).
- Detection of SWP1 and SWP2 in developing and mature spores.
- Analysis of protein homology and structural features at DNA and protein levels.
- Immunological assays using antibodies from infected mice.
Main Results:
- Two distinct spore wall proteins, SWP1 (50-kDa) and SWP2 (150-kDa), were identified and characterized.
- SWP1 and SWP2 exhibit differential localization and abundance on Encephalitozoon intestinalis spores.
- Both SWPs share conserved cysteines and exhibit unique structural domains, suggesting complex interactions.
- Antibodies from infected hosts recognize both SWP1 and SWP2, indicating their immunogenic nature.
Conclusions:
- SWP1 and SWP2 are key immunogenic components of the Encephalitozoon intestinalis spore wall.
- Understanding these proteins is vital for elucidating microsporidian exospore structure and function.
- This research provides a basis for developing novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for microsporidiosis.
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