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Impact of surface modifications of Acanthocheilonema viteae microfilariae on cell adhesion
D P Singh1, R K Chatterjee, V M Srivastava
1Division of Parasitology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
Abstract:
Exposure of A. viteae microfilariae to various lectins reduced their capacity to react with the peritoneal exudate cells of the host, Mastomys natalensis. Sugars corresponding to these lectins with the exception of N-acetyl glucosamine, did not affect the adhesion per se. They however, protected the parasite against the adverse effect of lectins. Neuraminidase and chitinase also suppressed adhesion capacity of the microfilariae. Except sodium dodecylsulphate which enhanced cell attachment, other surfactants inhibited this reaction considerably. The results indicate that antibody dependent adhesion of the microfilariae with the macrophages involves surface moieties of the parasite, where N-acetylglucosamine acts as the principal sugar residue. Participation of -SH groups also is inferred from the observations that p-chloromercuribenzoate and dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) inhibited cell attachment and dithiothreitol provided protection against these agents.
Insights
Lectins and enzymes like neuraminidase and chitinase impair microfilariae adhesion to host cells. N-acetylglucosamine is key to this interaction, suggesting parasite surface molecules are crucial for immune cell recognition.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microfilariae of parasitic worms interact with host immune cells.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for developing antiparasitic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the adhesion of *A. viteae* microfilariae to *Mastomys natalensis* peritoneal exudate cells.
- To identify parasite surface molecules involved in host cell recognition and adhesion.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of microfilariae to various lectins, sugars, enzymes (neuraminidase, chitinase), surfactants, and thiol-reactive agents.
- Assessing the effect of these agents on microfilariae adhesion to peritoneal exudate cells.
- Investigating the role of N-acetylglucosamine and sulfhydryl (-SH) groups.
Main Results:
- Lectins significantly reduced microfilariae adhesion.
- N-acetylglucosamine protected against lectin effects, indicating its role as a principal surface sugar.
- Neuraminidase and chitinase also suppressed adhesion.
- Certain surfactants inhibited adhesion, while sodium dodecyl sulfate enhanced it.
- Inhibition of adhesion by thiol-reactive agents and protection by dithiothreitol suggested involvement of -SH groups.
Conclusions:
- Antibody-dependent adhesion of *A. viteae* microfilariae to macrophages involves specific parasite surface moieties.
- N-acetylglucosamine is identified as a principal sugar residue on the microfilarial surface involved in this interaction.
- Sulfhydryl groups on parasite surface molecules also appear to play a role in cell attachment.