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Published on: March 16, 2018
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Leishmania donovani Modulates Macrophage Lipidome During Infection
Shams Tabrez1, Zeeshan Fatima2, Sajjadul Kadir Akand1
1Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.
Parasite Immunology
|September 23, 2024
Summary
Leishmania donovani infection reduces macrophage cholesterol, increasing membrane fluidity and impairing antigen presentation. This study reveals parasite-induced changes in macrophage lipid profiles, offering insights into host-pathogen interactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Leishmania donovani causes visceral leishmaniasis by impairing macrophage function.
- Parasite-induced reduction in macrophage cholesterol is a known mechanism.
- Alterations in other macrophage lipids by Leishmania are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Leishmania donovani-mediated changes in macrophage lipid metabolism.
- To determine the impact of altered lipid profiles on macrophage function.
- To explore novel mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cholesterol biosynthetic gene expression in infected macrophages.
- Measurement of total cellular cholesterol levels.
- Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to profile macrophage lipid changes.
- Assessment of antigen-presenting potential and membrane fluidity.
Main Results:
- L. donovani infection reduced cholesterol biosynthesis gene expression and total cellular cholesterol.
- Decreased cholesterol led to increased membrane fluidity and inhibited antigen presentation.
- Significant reductions in Sphingomyelin (16:0), ceramides, and most phospholipids were observed.
- A decreased phosphatidylcholine/phosphotidylethanolamine ratio indicated a cellular compensatory response.
Conclusions:
- Leishmania donovani infection profoundly alters macrophage lipidome, beyond cholesterol reduction.
- These lipid alterations impact macrophage function and contribute to host-pathogen interactions.
- The study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of leishmaniasis.
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