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Anti-parasitic effect on Toxoplasma gondii induced by a spider peptide lycosin-I

Yaqin Tang1, Shengjie Hou1, Xianyao Li1

  • 1Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, PR China.

Experimental Parasitology
|January 26, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Spider peptide lycosin-I shows significant anti-parasitic effects against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). This research indicates lycosin-I

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a widespread parasitic disease.
  • Current treatments for toxoplasmosis have limitations, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic agents.
  • Lycosin-I, a peptide from Lycosa singoriensis spider venom, is a potential candidate for new drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-parasitic activity of lycosin-I against T. gondii.
  • To evaluate the effects of lycosin-I on T. gondii invasion, proliferation, and host cell cytokine response.
  • To explore the structural changes in T. gondii tachyzoites induced by lycosin-I.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro assays (MTT, trypan blue exclusion, cell counting, plaque assay) were used to assess anti-T. gondii activity.
  • Quantitative PCR measured IL-6 and IL-8 cytokine levels.
  • Scanning and transmission electron microscopy examined tachyzoite structures.
  • In vivo studies involved challenging mice with T. gondii treated with lycosin-I.

Main Results:

  • Lycosin-I significantly inhibited T. gondii invasion and proliferation in vitro.
  • Lycosin-I reduced IL-6 and IL-8 cytokine expression in infected cells.
  • Electron microscopy revealed alterations in tachyzoite cell membranes and cytoplasm.
  • In vivo, lycosin-I prolonged mouse survival by controlling parasite proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • Lycosin-I demonstrates significant anti-T. gondii activity, inhibiting both invasion and proliferation.
  • The study provides the first evidence of lycosin-I's efficacy against T. gondii.
  • Lycosin-I is a promising potential therapeutic agent for treating toxoplasmosis.
Keywords:
Anti-parasiticInvasionLycosin-IProliferationSpider peptideToxoplasma gondii

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