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Acanthamoeba interactions with human brain microvascular endothelial cells
Selwa Alsam1, Kwang Sik Kim, Monique Stins
1School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, WC1E 7HX, England, London, UK.
Microbial Pathogenesis
|October 29, 2003
Summary
Acanthamoeba genotypes T3, T4, and T11 are more pathogenic, showing higher binding and cytotoxicity to human brain cells. Genotypes T2 and T7 were less virulent. Alpha-mannose affected Acanthamoeba binding and cytotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Parasitology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba are opportunistic protozoan parasites.
- They can cause fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis.
- Pathogenic mechanisms, including blood-brain barrier invasion, are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Acanthamoeba interactions with human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs).
- To identify pathogenic Acanthamoeba genotypes.
- To understand the role of HBMECs in Acanthamoeba encephalitis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study using primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells.
- Culturing and challenging HBMECs with different Acanthamoeba genotypes (T2, T3, T4, T7, T11).
- Assessing Acanthamoeba binding and cytotoxicity on HBMECs; evaluating the effect of alpha-mannose.
Main Results:
- Acanthamoeba genotypes T3, T4, and T11 demonstrated increased cytotoxicity and binding to HBMECs.
- Acanthamoeba genotypes T2 and T7 showed minimal cytotoxicity and significantly less binding (P<0.01).
- Exogenous alpha-mannose inhibited Acanthamoeba binding but enhanced cytotoxicity on HBMECs.
Conclusions:
- Acanthamoeba genotypes T3, T4, and T11 are identified as potential pathogens due to their interaction with HBMECs.
- Genotypes T2 and T7 appear less virulent in this context.
- This study provides the first evidence of Acanthamoeba interactions with primary HBMECs, offering insights into encephalitis pathogenesis.