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Taenia solium extracellular vesicles decrease reactive oxygen species production in human neutrophils by inhibiting
César Díaz-Godínez1, Diana G Ríos-Valencia2, Andrea Toledo1
1Institute of Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito M. de la Cueva, s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán C.P. 04510, CDMX, México.
Bioscience Reports
|March 30, 2026
Summary
Taenia solium extracellular vesicles (TsEVs) may help the parasite survive neurocysticercosis by reducing immune responses. These TsEVs inhibit reactive oxygen species production in human neutrophils, suggesting a role in host-parasite interactions.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neurocysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium cysticerci, is a major cause of epilepsy globally.
- Chronic infection involves complex host-parasite interactions and parasite persistence via immunomodulation.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as key mediators in these interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize Taenia solium extracellular vesicles (TsEVs).
- To investigate the effect of TsEVs on human neutrophil immune responses, specifically reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity.
Main Methods:
- TsEVs were isolated from Taenia solium cysticerci and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
- Proteomic analysis identified key proteins within TsEVs, including exosome markers and proteins involved in immunomodulation and redox metabolism.
- The effect of TsEVs on ROS production and MPO activity in human neutrophils was assessed using fluorometric and colorimetric assays.
Main Results:
- Isolated TsEVs were found to be under 200 nm in diameter.
- Proteomic analysis revealed 336 core proteins, with Gene Ontology analysis suggesting exosome-like properties and identifying proteins linked to immunomodulation and redox metabolism.
- TsEVs significantly reduced ROS production in human neutrophils, primarily by inhibiting MPO activity.
Conclusions:
- TsEVs possess characteristics consistent with exosomes and carry immunomodulatory proteins.
- These vesicles play a role in the parasite's survival by modulating the host immune response, specifically by dampening neutrophil oxidative burst.
- Findings provide evidence for EVs as crucial mediators in the host-parasite relationship during Taenia solium infections.
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