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Published on: June 12, 2014
Cytoskeletal changes in Eimeria bovis-infected host endothelial cells during first merogony
Carlos Hermosilla1, Elmar Schröpfer, Michael Stowasser
1Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchhheim-Str. 2, 35392 Giessen, Germany. chermosilla@rvc.ac.uk
Abstract:
The first merogony of Eimeria bovis takes place in lymphatic endothelial cells of the ileum, resulting in the formation of macromeronts up to 250 microm. In this study, we investigated the host cell cytoskeleton (actin filaments, microtubules, spectrin, vimentin intermediate filaments) associated with parasitic development in vitro by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) using primary bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells (BUVEC) and bovine spleen lymphatic endothelial cells (BSLEC) as host cells. No prominent changes in the host cell cytoskeleton were detected 1-3 days after E. bovis sporozoite invasion. With ongoing meront maturation a significant increase in microtubules and actin filaments close to the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) was found. Mature macromeronts within the PV were completely enclosed by these cytoskeletal elements. Our findings suggest, that in order to guarantee the survival of the host cell on the enlargement of macromeronts, E. bovis needs not only to augment but also to rearrange its cytoskeletal system.
Insights
Eimeria bovis manipulates host cell cytoskeleton, increasing microtubules and actin filaments around the parasite. This rearrangement is crucial for host cell survival during parasite development.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Eimeria bovis causes significant economic losses in cattle.
- The parasite's initial development (merogony) occurs in lymphatic endothelial cells.
- Understanding host-parasite interactions at the cellular level is crucial for control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the host cell cytoskeleton's role during Eimeria bovis macromeront development.
- To analyze cytoskeletal changes in bovine endothelial cells infected with E. bovis in vitro.
- To elucidate the mechanisms E. bovis employs to ensure host cell survival.
Main Methods:
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to visualize cytoskeletal components.
- Primary bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells (BUVEC) and bovine spleen lymphatic endothelial cells (BSLEC) served as host cells.
- Analysis focused on actin filaments, microtubules, spectrin, and vimentin intermediate filaments.
Main Results:
- No significant cytoskeletal changes were observed 1-3 days post-invasion.
- Increased microtubules and actin filaments were detected near the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) as macromeronts matured.
- Mature macromeronts were fully encased by these cytoskeletal elements within the PV.
Conclusions:
- Eimeria bovis actively remodels the host cell cytoskeleton during its development.
- The parasite augments and rearranges microtubules and actin filaments to ensure host cell survival.
- This cytoskeletal manipulation is essential for accommodating growing macromeronts.
