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Published on: January 3, 2012
WITHDRAWN: Continuous In Vitro Propagation of the Human Pathogen Babesia microti in Human Erythrocytes
Abstract:
The authors have withdrawn this manuscript because follow-up molecular authentication and validation studies of cryopreserved early and later parasite passages identified discordant species-specific PCR signals, including evidence of both Babesia microti and Babesia duncani markers in some archived cultures, indicating that the culture history and the timing of contamination or species overgrowth remain unresolved and may materially affect the conclusions of the study. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Insights
Babesia microti, a cause of babesiosis, can now be continuously cultured in human red blood cells. This breakthrough reveals a vitamin B5 dependency and identifies a new drug candidate for treating this infection.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Babesia microti is the primary cause of human babesiosis.
- Continuous in vitro cultivation of B. microti in human erythrocytes has been a significant challenge, hindering research into its intraerythrocytic lifecycle and therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop the first in vitro culture system for continuous propagation of Babesia microti in human erythrocytes.
- To investigate the efficacy of existing antibabesial therapies.
- To identify metabolic vulnerabilities for novel therapeutic strategies against babesiosis.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel in vitro culture system for continuous B. microti propagation in human erythrocytes.
- Assessment of clinically used antibabesial drugs within the established culture system.
- Screening for parasite metabolic dependencies during intraerythrocytic development.
Main Results:
- Successful establishment of the first continuous in vitro culture system for B. microti in human erythrocytes.
- Identification of an essential requirement for host-derived vitamin B5 for B. microti intraerythrocytic growth.
- Discovery of MMV689258 as a potent inhibitor of B. microti growth, leveraging its vitamin B5 dependency.
Conclusions:
- The developed continuous culture platform is foundational for future mechanistic and therapeutic studies of B. microti.
- The identified vitamin B5 dependency provides a novel target for drug development.
- This research offers a rational framework for creating improved interventions for human babesiosis.
