Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2025
09:04
Isolation And Dendritic Cell-Uptake of Small Extracellular Vesicles from Echinococcus granulosus
Published on: March 28, 2025
356
Immunology of a unique biological structure: the Echinococcus laminated layer
Álvaro Díaz1, Anabella A Barrios1, Leticia Grezzi1
1Área Inmunología, Departamento de Biociencias (Facultad de Química) and Cátedra de Inmunología, Instituto de Química Biológica (Facultad de Ciencias), Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Protein & Cell
|March 17, 2023
Summary
The Echinococcus parasite
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Echinococcus parasites cause neglected tropical diseases (echinococcoses) in humans and livestock.
- Their larvae are protected by a unique acellular laminated layer (LL) composed of mucins, O-glycans, and calcium myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (Insp6).
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of the immunobiology of the Echinococcus laminated layer (LL).
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advances in LL immunobiology research.
- Discussion of LL components, their interactions with host immune cells, and their role in parasite evasion.
Main Results:
- LL "debris" found at infection sites and lymph nodes.
- Calcium Insp6 acts as a decoy for complement.
- LL mucins bind to Kupffer cell lectin receptor Clec4F.
- LL particles exhibit receptor-independent effects on immune cells.
Conclusions:
- Recent findings illuminate the complex immunobiology of the Echinococcus LL.
- Significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding receptor-independent effects and immune cell interactions.
- Further research is needed to fully understand this parasite structure and develop targeted interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Immunogold Electron Microscopy
4.1K
Immunoelectron microscopy utilizes immunogold labeling of endogenous proteins with specific antibodies to detect and localize these proteins in cells and tissues. The procedure provides insights into the distribution and quantification of protein under different stimulation conditions offering clues about their functions. Conjugating highly electron-dense gold particles with primary or secondary antibodies allow antigen detection on and within cells, with high resolution and specificity.
4.1K
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
2.3K
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.
2.3K
01:18Outer Layers of the Cell Envelope
151
The outermost layers of prokaryotic cells play a critical role in their survival, virulence, and interaction with the environment. These layers, often composed of polysaccharides, polypeptides, or proteins, form protective and adhesive structures that vary in organization and function.Capsules and Slime LayersCapsules are highly organized, tightly bound layers that firmly attach to the bacterial cell wall. Capsules are usually made of polysaccharides, though some are made of polypeptides. These...
151