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Mitochondrial Network Fragmentation Leads to Dysfunction of Macrophages During Echinococcus multilocularis

Zihan Yang1,2,3,4, Yaogang Zhang5,6, Tao Zhang7

  • 1Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining 810000, China.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) infection disrupts macrophage mitochondria, impairing immune response. Targeting mitochondrial fission could improve macrophage function and combat this parasitic disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Parasitology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe liver disease caused by *Echinococcus multilocularis*.
  • Kupffer cells (macrophages in the liver) play a dual role in AE, offering protection but also aiding parasite immune escape in later stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of *Echinococcus multilocularis* protoscoleces (PSCs) on macrophage mitochondrial morphology and function.
  • To assess the effects of PSCs infection on macrophage phagocytosis and apoptosis.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of inhibiting mitochondrial fission in AE.

Main Methods:

  • Macrophages were infected with *Echinococcus multilocularis* protoscoleces (PSCs).
  • Mitochondrial morphology, membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number were analyzed.
  • Macrophage phagocytic activity and apoptosis rates were measured.
  • The effect of inhibiting mitochondrial fission was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • PSCs infection led to mitochondrial network fragmentation, reduced membrane potential, increased ROS, and decreased mtDNA copy number in macrophages.
  • These mitochondrial changes promoted macrophage apoptosis and impaired their phagocytic function.
  • Inhibiting mitochondrial fission reversed mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced apoptosis, and enhanced phagocytosis.

Conclusions:

  • *Echinococcus multilocularis* protoscoleces disrupt macrophage mitochondria, contributing to immune evasion in alveolar echinococcosis.
  • Targeting mitochondrial fission presents a promising strategy to restore macrophage function and treat AE.
Keywords:
Echinococcus multilocularismacrophage phagocytosismitochondrial fragmentationprotoscoleces

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