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Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Acanthamoeba culbertsoni Have COX and Proteolytic Activity and Induce Hemolysis

Francisco Sierra-López1, Ismael Castelan-Ramírez1, Dolores Hernández-Martínez1

  • 1Laboratory of Amphizoic Amoebae, Faculty of Superior Studies Iztacala, Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico.

Microorganisms
|November 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Acanthamoeba culbertsoni releases extracellular vesicles (EVs) that contribute to its pathogenicity. These EVs possess enzymatic activities and proteins, indicating a role in contact-independent disease mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Parasitology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Acanthamoeba species are significant pathogens causing various diseases.
  • Pathogenic mechanisms of Acanthamoeba involve contact-dependent interactions.
  • Understanding contact-independent mechanisms is crucial for elucidating Acanthamoeba pathogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by Acanthamoeba culbertsoni.
  • To investigate the role of EVs in the contact-independent pathogenicity of A. culbertsoni.

Main Methods:

  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) for EV characterization.
  • SDS-PAGE and Western Blot for protein analysis.
  • Confocal microscopy and Dil-labeling for EV internalization studies.
  • Assays for proteolytic, hemolytic, and COX activities.

Main Results:

  • EVs from A. culbertsoni were characterized with lipid membranes, sizes ranging from 60-855 nm.
  • EVs contain proteins (45-200 kDa), including leishmanolysin.
  • EVs exhibit proteolytic, hemolytic, and COX activities.
  • EVs were internalized by Acanthamoeba trophozoites.

Conclusions:

  • Extracellular vesicles are involved in the contact-independent pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba culbertsoni.
  • EVs contribute to the overall pathogenic mechanisms of A. culbertsoni.
  • Further understanding of EV-mediated pathogenicity is essential for disease control.
Keywords:
Acanthamoeba culbertsoniCOXextracellular vesiclespathogenicity mechanisms

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