Related Experiment Videos
A severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse model for infection with Entamoeba histolytica
P R Cieslak1, H W Virgin, S L Stanley
1Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
Abstract:
We used severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice to study resistance to invasive infection with Entamoeba histolytica. Seven of seven SCID mice developed liver abscesses when challenged intrahepatically with virulent HM1:IMSS strain E. histolytica trophozoites. Only one of seven similarly challenged immunocompetent congenic C.B-17 mice developed an abscess. Adoptive transfer of polyclonal rabbit anti-E. histolytica antiserum, but not preimmune rabbit serum, completely protected 7 of 12 SCID mice from intrahepatic challenge with ameba. These results demonstrate that lymphocyte-based immunity is important in protection against amebic liver abscess, and that anti-E. histolytica antibody can protect against amebic infection in this system. The SCID mouse may provide a powerful model for studying the components of protective immunity to invasive amebiasis.
Insights
Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice are susceptible to invasive Entamoeba histolytica infection, developing liver abscesses. Anti-E. histolytica antibodies protected SCID mice, highlighting lymphocyte-based immunity
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Invasive amebiasis, particularly amebic liver abscess, remains a significant global health concern.
- The precise immunological mechanisms conferring protection against Entamoeba histolytica infection are not fully elucidated.
- Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice offer a model to investigate host immune responses in parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of lymphocyte-based immunity in resistance to invasive Entamoeba histolytica infection.
- To evaluate the protective capacity of anti-Entamoeba histolytica antibodies in a murine model.
- To establish the SCID mouse as a model for studying protective immunity against amebic liver abscess.
Main Methods:
- Intrahepatic challenge of SCID mice and immunocompetent C.B-17 mice with virulent Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites.
- Assessment of liver abscess formation in challenged mice.
- Adoptive transfer of rabbit anti-Entamoeba histolytica antiserum and preimmune rabbit serum to SCID mice prior to challenge.
Main Results:
- All SCID mice (7/7) developed liver abscesses upon intrahepatic challenge with E. histolytica.
- Only one immunocompetent C.B-17 mouse (1/7) developed an abscess when similarly challenged.
- Adoptive transfer of anti-E. histolytica antiserum conferred complete protection in 7 of 12 SCID mice.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocyte-based immunity plays a crucial role in protection against amebic liver abscess.
- Anti-Entamoeba histolytica antibodies demonstrate protective efficacy against invasive amebiasis in this model.
- The SCID mouse is a valuable model for dissecting the components of protective immunity to invasive amebiasis.