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Analysis of the Epithelial Damage Produced by Entamoeba histolytica Infection
Published on: June 12, 2014
Antigenic membrane proteins of virulent variant of Entamoeba histolytica HM-1:IMSS
Gaayathri Kumarasamy1, Asmahani Azira Abdus Sani2, Alfonso Olivos-García3
1Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia , Penang, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is one of the leading parasitic infections in the world. This study was aimed at profiling antigenic membrane proteins of a virulent variant of E. histolytica HM-1:IMSS. The membrane proteins were extracted using ProteoExtract® kit (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) or conventional method, separated using OFFGEL 3100 fractionator (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, California), followed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Selected antigenic membrane proteins were identified using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Subsequently, the proteins were classified according to their biological processes and predictions were made on membrane and membrane-associated proteins. When the proteins were probed with pooled sera from amoebic liver abscess (ALA) patients, 10 and 15 antigenic proteins with molecular weights 25 to 200 kDa were identified using the ProteoExtract® kit and conventional method, respectively. LC-ESI-MS/MS identified 13 antigenic proteins, and both extraction methods predicted six of them as membrane and membrane-associated proteins. The topmost biological processes which comprised of six proteins were involved in cellular processes.. These antigenic membrane proteins merit further investigations as potential candidates for vaccine studies.
Insights
This study identified key antigenic membrane proteins in Entamoeba histolytica, a parasite causing amoebiasis. These proteins show promise as vaccine candidates for preventing parasitic infections.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is a significant global parasitic disease.
- Understanding the parasite's antigenic membrane proteins is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile antigenic membrane proteins of the virulent E. histolytica HM-1:IMSS strain.
- To identify potential vaccine targets against amoebiasis.
Main Methods:
- Membrane proteins extracted using ProteoExtract® kit or conventional methods.
- Separation via OFFGEL 3100, SDS-PAGE, and Western blot.
- Identification using LC-ESI-MS/MS and probing with sera from amoebic liver abscess patients.
Main Results:
- 10 and 15 antigenic proteins identified with ProteoExtract® and conventional methods, respectively.
- LC-ESI-MS/MS identified 13 antigenic proteins, with six predicted as membrane-associated.
- Proteins involved in cellular processes were prominent.
Conclusions:
- Identified antigenic membrane proteins are potential candidates for vaccine development.
- Further research is warranted to explore their vaccine potential against E. histolytica infections.
