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Cell-adhesion molecules expressed by activated eosinophils in Onchocerca volvulus infection
N W Brattig1, A Z Abakar, F Geisinger
1Division of Clinical Chemistry, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.
Parasitology Research
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Eosinophils express cell-adhesion molecules like VLA-4 and VLA-5, particularly after activation by cytokines. This suggests new ways eosinophils interact with the parasite Onchocerca volvulus, independent of antibodies or complement.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell-adhesion receptors are crucial for host effector cell interactions with targets like parasites.
- Plasma proteins, including fibronectin, deposit on Onchocerca volvulus larvae.
- The role of eosinophils and their adhesion molecules in Onchocerca volvulus infections is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs), specifically fibronectin receptors, on eosinophils from Onchocerca volvulus-infected individuals.
- To explore potential antibody- and complement-independent mechanisms in host-parasite interactions.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence analysis of freshly isolated and cytokine-activated eosinophils.
- Culture of eosinophils with cytokines (rhIL-3, rhGM-CSF) and fibroblasts.
- Immune rosette formation assays and attachment assays to fibronectin-coated surfaces.
Main Results:
- Freshly isolated eosinophils express CR3, CR4, Le(x), and CD9.
- Cytokine-activated eosinophils upregulate beta 1-integrins VLA-4 and VLA-5 (fibronectin receptors) and ICAM-1.
- Activated eosinophils demonstrate binding to fibronectin and form immune rosettes.
Conclusions:
- Activated eosinophils express fibronectin receptors (VLA-4, VLA-5) and ICAM-1.
- These findings suggest novel antibody- and complement-independent mechanisms for eosinophil interaction with Onchocerca volvulus.
- Eosinophil adhesion molecules may play a significant role in the host response to helminthic parasites.