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Lectin binding to the developing forms of Onchocerca gutturosa microfilariae.
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology : Official Organ of Deutsche Tropenmedizinische Gesellschaft and of Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)
|June 1, 1987
Summary
Lectins bind to cattle filarial nematode eggshells, but not microfilariae. Ivermectin alters lectin binding, suggesting eggshells interact with host defenses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Filarial nematodes, such as Onchocerca gutturosa, cause significant disease in cattle.
- Understanding parasite surface molecules is crucial for developing novel control strategies.
- The external surfaces of microfilariae and eggs are key interaction sites with the host immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the lectin binding properties of Onchocerca gutturosa microfilariae (mf) and eggs.
- To determine the effect of microfilaricides and enzymes on lectin binding to parasite surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Examination of uterine and skin-derived microfilariae and freshly obtained eggs.
- Incubation with various lectins, including Peanut Agglutinin (PNA) and Ricinus communis lectin (RCA-1).
- Treatment with microfilaricides (DEC, Ivermectin) and enzymes (trypsin, collagenase, protease, chitinase).
Main Results:
- Microfilariae (mf) from both uterine and skin-derived forms did not bind any tested lectins.
- Peanut Agglutinin (PNA) specifically bound to eggshells; diethylcarbamazine (DEC) had no effect.
- Ivermectin treatment abolished PNA binding but enhanced RCA-1 binding to eggshells.
- Proteolytic enzymes affected lectin binding, while chitinase did not.
Conclusions:
- Onchocerca gutturosa eggshells possess specific lectin binding sites, unlike microfilariae.
- The composition of eggshells is sensitive to enzymatic degradation and certain drug treatments.
- These findings support the hypothesis that filarial eggshells can engage with host immune responses.