Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026
A Simple Fluorescence Assay for Quantification of Canine Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Release
Published on: November 21, 2016
Mouse neutrophils release extracellular traps in response to Naegleria fowleri
Maria Maricela Carrasco-Yepez1, Arturo Contis-Montes de Oca2, Rafael Campos-Rodriguez3
1Laboratorio de Microbiología, Proyecto CyMA, UIICSE, UNAM FES Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, México.
Abstract:
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba, which is able to infect humans through the nasal mucosa causing a disease in the central nervous system known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) play a critical role in the early phase of N fowleri infection. Recently, a new biological defence mechanism called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) has been attracting attention. These structures represent an important strategy to immobilize and kill invading microorganisms. In this work, we evaluate the capacity of N fowleri to induce the NETs release by PMNs cells in mice in vitro and in vivo. In vitro: Neutrophils from bone marrow were cocultured with N fowleri trophozoites. In vivo: we employed a mouse model of PAM. We evaluated DNA, histone and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the formation of NETs by confocal microscopy. Our results showed N fowleri induce both NETs and MPO release by PMNs cells in mice after trophozoite exposure, which increased through time, in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrate that NETs are somehow associated with the amoebas. We suggest PMNs release their traps trying to avoid N fowleri attachment at the apical side of the nasal epithelium.
Insights
Naegleria fowleri infection triggers neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) release from polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). These NETs, containing DNA and MPO, appear to combat the amoeba, suggesting a novel defense mechanism against primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a severe CNS infection.
- Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) are crucial in early N. fowleri infection.
- Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are emerging as a key defense mechanism against pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of N. fowleri in inducing NETs release from PMNs.
- To evaluate NET formation in vitro and in vivo during N. fowleri infection.
Main Methods:
- Co-culturing mouse bone marrow neutrophils with N. fowleri trophozoites in vitro.
- Utilizing a mouse model of PAM for in vivo studies.
- Confocal microscopy to assess DNA, histone, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in NETs.
Main Results:
- N. fowleri trophozoites induced significant release of NETs and MPO from PMNs.
- NET formation increased over time in both in vitro and in vivo settings.
- NETs were observed in close association with N. fowleri amoebas.
Conclusions:
- N. fowleri actively induces NETs and MPO release from PMNs.
- NETs represent a host defense response aimed at immobilizing or eliminating N. fowleri.
- This study highlights the potential of NETs in combating PAM and suggests their role in preventing amoebic attachment to the nasal epithelium.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:41Social Traps
01:36Humoral Immune Responses
01:42The Extracellular Matrix
01:29The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
01:28Energy-releasing Steps of Glycolysis
The first energy-releasing step—the 6th step of glycolysis...
02:41Responses to Drought and Flooding