Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
09:58
Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation
Published on: June 5, 2012
Immunoglobulin uptake and processing by Schistosoma mansoni
C Thors1, T S Jokiranta, T Meri
1Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control (SMI), Solna, Sweden.
Parasite Immunology
|August 19, 2006
Summary
Schistosoma mansoni worms absorb host immunoglobulins via Fc-receptors and enteric digestion. These immunoglobulins are processed into distinct granules within specialized organelles, likely in the excretory system.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Intravascular Schistosoma mansoni worms interact with host immunoglobulins.
- The mechanism of immunoglobulin processing by these parasites remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological processes involved in host immunoglobulin uptake and processing by intravascular Schistosoma mansoni.
Main Methods:
- Morphological analysis using immunogold staining.
- In vivo studies with radiolabelled immunoglobulins.
Main Results:
- Host immunoglobulins were localized in the parasite's oesophagus and as granular staining on the surface and subtegument.
- Organelle-like structures, termed 'discoid or elongate bodies', were identified containing immunoglobulins.
- In vivo studies confirmed immunoglobulin uptake and localization as fine strands perpendicular to the parasite surface.
Conclusions:
- Schistosoma mansoni utilizes both enteric digestion and Fc-receptor-mediated mechanisms for immunoglobulin uptake.
- Immunoglobulins are processed within specialized organelles ('elongate bodies') and potentially the excretory system.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Transcytosis of IgG
Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...