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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
A Preclinical Mouse Model of Osteosarcoma to Define the Extracellular Vesicle-mediated Communication Between Tumor and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Published on: May 6, 2018
Acanthamoeba spp.: in vitro effects of clinical isolates on murine macrophages, osteosarcoma and HeLa cells
Carmen M Martín-Navarro1, Jacob Lorenzo-Morales, Rubén P Machín
1University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
Abstract:
Three different cell lines (murine macrophages, HeLa and osteosarcoma cells) were assayed in order to check for the manifestation of the cytopathic effects of three strains of Acanthamoeba recently isolated in our laboratory from contact lens cases: CLC-16, CLC-41.r and CLC-51-l. Adhesion and cytotoxicity assays were carried out with these strains and the type strain Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff as a control. Briefly, the ability of these amoebae to bind to the three cell lines was calculated and supernatants were examined for cytotoxicity by measuring lactate dehydrogenase released as an estimate of cytotoxicity using a commercial detection kit. The three strains showed high adhesion and cytotoxicity levels when tested in the three cell lines. This study demonstrates the ability of these amoebae to degrade any of the tested cell lines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the in vitro effects of acanthamoebae on osteosarcoma cells.
Insights
Newly isolated Acanthamoeba strains from contact lens cases exhibit significant adhesion and cytotoxicity against murine macrophages, HeLa, and osteosarcoma cells in vitro. This research highlights Acanthamoeba
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba species are opportunistic protozoan parasites.
- They are known to cause keratitis in contact lens wearers and rare granulomatous encephalitis.
- The cytopathic potential of newly isolated strains requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro cytopathic effects of three novel Acanthamoeba strains (CLC-16, CLC-41.r, CLC-51-l) isolated from contact lens cases.
- To assess the adhesion and cytotoxicity of these strains against murine macrophages, HeLa cells, and osteosarcoma cells.
- To compare the virulence of these isolates with the type strain Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff.
Main Methods:
- Cell lines used: murine macrophages, HeLa, and osteosarcoma cells.
- Adhesion assays to quantify Acanthamoeba binding to host cells.
- Cytotoxicity assays measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release as an indicator of cell damage.
Main Results:
- All three newly isolated Acanthamoeba strains demonstrated high levels of adhesion to the tested cell lines.
- Significant cytotoxicity was observed for all three strains across murine macrophages, HeLa, and osteosarcoma cells.
- Osteosarcoma cells were found to be degradable by these Acanthamoeba strains.
Conclusions:
- The investigated Acanthamoeba strains possess potent in vitro cytotoxic and adhesive capabilities.
- These findings suggest a potential risk associated with these isolates, particularly concerning their interaction with host cells.
- This study represents the first report on the in vitro effects of Acanthamoeba on osteosarcoma cells, opening new avenues for research.
