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Published on: October 20, 2020
Differences in in vitro interactions between macrophages with pathogenic and environmental strains of Prototheca
Jin Yang1, Junhao Zhu1, Timothy Kudinha2,3
1Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
Abstract:
Aim: We investigated the interactions between macrophage and different strains of Prototheca. Materials & method: J774A.1 macrophages were infected with clinical isolates of Prototheca ciferrii 18125 and P. ciferrii 50779 and environmental isolate of P. ciferrii N71. Phagocytosis activities were compared by colony-forming unit assays at 3, 6 and 9 h after infection. Cytokine levels were detected by RT-PCR and ELISA. iNOS protein expression was examined by western blotting. Results: All P. ciferrii strains were phagocytized by macrophages but induced different levels of cytokines in macrophages. Moreover, infected by P. ciferrii N71 upregulated much higher iNOS protein expression in J774A.1 than that infected by the clinical strains. Conclusion: Clinical and environmental P. ciferrii strains show differences in their interactions with macrophages, which may be attributed to their virulence.
Insights
Different Prototheca ciferrii strains interact uniquely with macrophages, influencing immune responses. Environmental strains may exhibit higher virulence, impacting iNOS protein expression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Prototheca species are emerging pathogens.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for managing infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interactions between J774A.1 macrophages and different strains of Prototheca ciferrii.
- To compare the phagocytosis, cytokine induction, and iNOS expression elicited by clinical and environmental P. ciferrii isolates.
Main Methods:
- Infection of J774A.1 macrophages with Prototheca ciferrii clinical (18125, 50779) and environmental (N71) strains.
- Colony-forming unit assays for phagocytosis.
- RT-PCR and ELISA for cytokine detection.
- Western blotting for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression.
Main Results:
- All P. ciferrii strains were phagocytized by macrophages.
- Distinct cytokine profiles were induced by different strains.
- The environmental strain P. ciferrii N71 significantly upregulated iNOS protein expression compared to clinical strains.
Conclusions:
- Clinical and environmental Prototheca ciferrii strains exhibit differential interactions with macrophages.
- Variations in macrophage interaction, particularly iNOS expression, suggest differences in virulence between strains.
