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Receptors for C3 on rat peritoneal mast cells
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|August 1, 1977
Summary
Rat mast cells bind to Schistosoma larvae via complement component C3, indicating C3-specific receptors on mast cells mediate this interaction. These receptors are homologous, trypsin-sensitive, and Mg++ dependent.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mast cells play a role in immune responses.
- Schistosoma mansoni larvae interact with host immune components.
- Complement system activation is crucial in host-parasite interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of rat mast cell adherence to Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula.
- To identify the specific host immune components and cellular receptors involved in this cytoadherence reaction.
Main Methods:
- Purified rat peritoneal mast cells were incubated with Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula pre-treated with normal rat serum.
- Blocking experiments using antibodies against rat C3 and IgG were performed.
- Mast cell receptors were further characterized using complement-treated zymosan particles and fluoresceinated bacteria.
Main Results:
- Rat mast cells adhered to complement-treated schistosomula.
- This adherence was dependent on the alternative pathway of complement, specifically C3.
- Antibodies to C3 blocked adherence, suggesting C3-specific receptors on mast cells mediate the interaction.
Conclusions:
- Rat mast cells possess C3-specific receptors responsible for adherence to complement-treated Schistosoma larvae.
- These mast cell receptors share characteristics with C3 receptors found on other leukocytes, including monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils.
- The findings elucidate a novel mechanism of host-parasite interaction involving mast cell complement receptors.