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Transient Transduction of the Strobilated Forms of Echinococcus granulosus
Published on: September 16, 2022
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Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid enhances epithelial-mesenchymal transition
A A Mohammed1, J T Allen1, M T Rogan1
1Biomedical Research Centre, School of Environment & Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
Parasite Immunology
|May 3, 2018
Summary
Hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) from cystic echinococcosis can induce lung epithelial cells to undergo changes associated with fibrosis. This parasite-derived fluid promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), potentially contributing to lung tissue remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Cystic echinococcosis presents as hydatid cysts in organs like the liver and lungs.
- The parasite's interaction with host tissues, particularly fibrosis, is an area of ongoing research.
- Previous studies suggest a link between liver cysts and fibrosis stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) can induce fibrosis in lung tissue.
- To investigate the potential of HCF to stimulate epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human lung epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an adenocarcinoma-derived alveolar basal epithelial cell line (A549) as a model for human alveolar epithelial cells (AEC II).
- Cultured A549 cells in vitro with HCF from UK sheep origin.
- Assessed cell proliferation, migration, and expression of cytoskeletal markers (fibronectin, vimentin, E-cadherin).
Main Results:
- HCF exposure stimulated enhanced cell proliferation and migration in A549 cells.
- Observed increased expression of mesenchymal markers (fibronectin, vimentin) and decreased expression of an epithelial marker (E-cadherin).
- These changes are indicative of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Conclusions:
- Molecules present in hydatid cyst fluid can induce phenotypic changes in lung epithelial cells.
- The parasite has the potential to modify lung epithelial cells, which may contribute to fibrotic reactions.
- HCF may play a role in the development of lung fibrosis associated with cystic echinococcosis.
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