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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
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Transient Transduction of the Strobilated Forms of Echinococcus granulosus
Published on: September 16, 2022
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The laminated layer: Recent advances and insights into Echinococcus biology and evolution
Álvaro Díaz1, Cecilia Fernández1, Álvaro Pittini1
1Cátedra de Inmunología, Departamento de Biociencias (Facultad de Química) e Instituto de Química Biológica (Facultad de Ciencias), Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Experimental Parasitology
|March 31, 2015
Summary
The laminated layer (LL) of Echinococcus larvae, crucial for host-parasite interactions, shows distinct mucin compositions and glycan structures between species. These adaptations influence interactions with host immune cells, particularly Kupffer cells in rodents.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The laminated layer (LL) is a vital mucin-based extracellular matrix protecting Echinococcus larvae.
- Previous reviews in 2011 summarized existing knowledge on the LL.
- Significant advancements have occurred since 2011, particularly with genomic and transcriptomic data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and integrate recent advances in understanding the Echinococcus laminated layer (LL).
- To discuss new findings in the context of Echinococcus phylogeny and host-parasite relationships.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of genomic and RNAseq data for E. multilocularis and E. granulosus.
- Confirmation and detailed characterization of differences in mucin glycan structures.
- Investigation of host-parasite interactions, including Kupffer cell and dendritic cell engagement.
Main Results:
- Inferred differences in mucin backbone composition between E. multilocularis and E. granulosus LL.
- Confirmed absence of Galβ1-3 chains in E. multilocularis LL.
- Demonstrated selective interaction of LL carbohydrates with Kupffer cell receptors and carbohydrate-independent immune cell modulation.
Conclusions:
- The LL's composition and structure are key to Echinococcus larval survival and host adaptation.
- LL adaptations reflect a long evolutionary history with rodent intermediate hosts and liver infection sites.
- LL exhibits multifaceted immune-modulatory mechanisms, both carbohydrate-dependent and independent.
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