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Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation
Published on: June 5, 2012
SjE16.7 activates macrophages and promotes Schistosoma japonicum egg-induced granuloma development
Yan Fang1, Chenyun Wu1, Qing Chen1
1Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
SjE16.7 is an egg-specific protein from Schistosoma japonicum that recruits neutrophils and initiates an inflammatory granuloma response in host tissue. However, since macrophages are known to be important regulators of egg granuloma formation we investigated the effect of SjE16.7 on this cell type. Here we report that SjE16.7 is a potent macrophage activator, inducing macrophage chemotaxis and stimulating cytokine production. Treatment of murine primary macrophages with SjE16.7 resulted in upregulation of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-12, IL-6 and TNF-α), as well as phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Moreover, SjE16.7 treatment increased MHC Class II expression on the surface of macrophages. Importantly, in vivo blockade of SjE16.7 significantly reduced egg-induced pathology, as a result of decreased leucocyte infiltration and reduced granuloma size. Our results suggest that SjE16.7 is an important pathogenic factor and a potential treatment target for this disease.
Insights
Schistosoma japonicum egg protein SjE16.7 activates macrophages, driving inflammation and granuloma formation. Blocking SjE16.7 reduced disease pathology, suggesting it as a therapeutic target for schistosomiasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Schistosoma japonicum eggs elicit an inflammatory granuloma response.
- Macrophages are key regulators of granuloma formation.
- The role of egg-specific proteins like SjE16.7 in macrophage activation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of the egg-specific protein SjE16.7 on macrophage activation.
- To determine SjE16.7's role in the pathogenesis of Schistosoma japonicum infection.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of murine primary macrophages with SjE16.7.
- Analysis of cytokine production (IL-10, IL-12, IL-6, TNF-α).
- Assessment of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and MHC Class II expression.
- In vivo blockade of SjE16.7 in a murine model of schistosomiasis.
Main Results:
- SjE16.7 potently activated macrophages, inducing chemotaxis and cytokine production.
- SjE16.7 upregulated both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and increased MHC Class II expression.
- In vivo blockade of SjE16.7 significantly reduced egg-induced pathology, leukocyte infiltration, and granuloma size.
Conclusions:
- SjE16.7 is a crucial factor in activating macrophages during Schistosoma japonicum infection.
- SjE16.7 plays a significant role in driving egg granuloma formation and host pathology.
- SjE16.7 represents a potential therapeutic target for treating schistosomiasis.
