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Epithelial-Cell-Derived Phospholipase A2 Group 1B Is an Endogenous Anthelmintic
Lewis J Entwistle1, Victoria S Pelly1, Stephanie M Coomes1
1Allergy and Anti-helminth Immunity Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
Cell Host & Microbe
|October 13, 2017
Summary
Researchers discovered epithelial-cell-derived phospholipase A2 group 1B (PLA2g1B) as a key endogenous anthelmintic. This molecule is crucial for killing tissue-embedded helminth larvae and restoring resistance in deficient mice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Immunity to intestinal helminths is known, but the killing mechanisms remain unclear.
- Epithelial-cell-derived phospholipase A2 group 1B (PLA2g1B) is identified as a potential endogenous anthelmintic.
- PLA2g1B's role in helminth expulsion and its regulation are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify endogenous molecules responsible for helminth killing.
- To elucidate the mechanism of PLA2g1B in anti-helminth immunity.
- To investigate the regulation of PLA2g1B expression and its role in parasite expulsion.
Main Methods:
- Mice lacking Pla2g1b (Pla2g1b-/-) were used to assess helminth expulsion.
- PLA2g1B treatment of infective larvae was performed in vitro.
- Expression of Pla2g1b was analyzed in relation to immune signaling pathways and microbiota.
Main Results:
- Pla2g1b-/- mice failed to expel Heligmosomoides polygyrus and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.
- PLA2g1B directly killed tissue-embedded larvae by reducing their phospholipid content.
- Epithelial PLA2g1B expression depended on microbiota, adaptive immunity, and common-gamma chain signaling.
- IL-4R signaling inhibited PLA2g1B, uncoupling parasite killing from expulsion.
Conclusions:
- Epithelial-cell-derived PLA2g1B is an essential endogenous anthelmintic mediating helminth killing.
- PLA2g1B represents a previously overlooked mechanism in anti-helminth immunity.
- Understanding PLA2g1B regulation offers potential therapeutic targets for helminth infections.