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Augmentation of microsporidia adherence and host cell infection by divalent cations
Timothy R Southern1, Carrie E Jolly, J Russell Hayman
1Department of Microbiology, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
Abstract:
The infection process of intracellular opportunistic microsporidia involves the forcible eversion of a coiled hollow polar filament that pierces the host cell membrane, allowing the passage of infectious sporoplasm into the host cell cytoplasm. Although the exact mechanism of spore activation leading to polar filament discharge is unknown, we have shown that spore adherence to host cells, which is mediated by sulfated glycosaminoglycans, may play a vital role. When adherence is inhibited, host cell infection decreases, indicating a direct link between adherence and infection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous divalent cations on microsporidia spore adherence and infection. Data generated using an in vitro spore adherence assay show that spore adherence is augmented by manganese (Mn2+) and magnesium (Mg2+), but not by calcium (Ca2+). However, each of the three divalent cations contributed to increased host cell infection when included in the assay. Finally, we show that Mn2+ and Mg2+ may activate a constituent on the microsporidia spore, not on the host cell, leading to higher infection efficiency. This report further supports recent evidence that spore adherence to the host cell surface is an important aspect of the microsporidial infection process.
Insights
Divalent cations like manganese and magnesium enhance microsporidia spore adherence and infection of host cells. This suggests these cations play a key role in the microsporidia infection process.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Microsporidia are opportunistic intracellular pathogens.
- Spore adherence to host cells, mediated by sulfated glycosaminoglycans, is crucial for infection.
- The precise mechanism of spore activation and polar filament discharge remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of exogenous divalent cations on microsporidia spore adherence.
- To determine the effect of divalent cations on host cell infection rates.
- To elucidate the role of divalent cations in the microsporidia infection pathway.
Main Methods:
- In vitro spore adherence assay.
- Evaluation of spore adherence in the presence of manganese (Mn2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and calcium (Ca2+).
- Assessment of host cell infection efficiency with and without divalent cations.
Main Results:
- Spore adherence was significantly increased by Mn2+ and Mg2+, but not by Ca2+.
- All tested divalent cations (Mn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+) enhanced host cell infection.
- Mn2+ and Mg2+ appear to activate a component on the microsporidia spore itself, not the host cell.
Conclusions:
- Divalent cations, particularly Mn2+ and Mg2+, are critical for augmenting microsporidia spore adherence and subsequent host cell infection.
- Spore adherence is a vital step in the microsporidia infection process, influenced by specific cation interactions.
- The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying microsporidia pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
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