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Fasciola hepatica products induce apoptosis of peritoneal macrophages

Lorena Guasconi1, Marianela C Serradell, Diana T Masih

  • 1Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), CONICET, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Medina Allende y Haya de la Torre, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba, Argentina.

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|July 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Fasciola hepatica excretory-secretory products (FhESP) induce apoptosis in peritoneal macrophages. This parasite immune evasion strategy may be crucial for the worm's survival within the host.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Fasciola hepatica excretory-secretory products (FhESP) possess immunomodulatory properties.
  • Interaction with innate immune cells is vital during early parasitic infection stages.
  • Previous studies showed FhESP induce eosinophil apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the ability of FhESP to induce apoptosis in peritoneal macrophages.
  • To understand the role of macrophage apoptosis in Fasciola hepatica infection.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro stimulation of peritoneal macrophages with FhESP.
  • Analysis of macrophages recovered from Fasciola hepatica-infected mice.

Main Results:

  • FhESP were observed to induce apoptosis in peritoneal macrophages stimulated in vitro.
  • Macrophages from infected mice also exhibited apoptosis upon FhESP exposure.
  • FhESP directly induce apoptosis in peritoneal macrophages.

Conclusions:

  • FhESP-induced macrophage apoptosis is a key mechanism for Fasciola hepatica immune evasion.
  • Modifying macrophage viability through apoptosis may prolong parasite survival in the host.

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