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Effect of recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha on in vitro amoebicidal activity of murine Kupffer cells
1Montreal General Hospital, Research Institute, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
The present study was undertaken to determine whether recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) could induce Kupffer cells to kill Entamoeba histolytica parasite in vitro. C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. The liver was perfused and Kupffer cells harvested and treated with TNF for 6 h. It was found that Kupffer cells treated with TNF are able to kill amoebic trophozoites in vitro. These results further show that amoebicidal activity of TNF-activated Kupffer cells is dependent on the ratio of Kupffer cells to amoebic trophozoites. The maximum amoebicidal activity of Kupffer cells was observed with the ratio of one Kupffer cell to five amoebae. This study also shows that the optimal concentration of TNF is required in the induction of amoebicidal activity in Kupffer cells (10(5) units). It seems that both oxidative-dependent and -independent mechanisms are important for the killing of amoebae by the TNF-treated Kupffer cells. It is likely that TNF-treated Kupffer cells produce endogenous TNF or other cytotoxic molecules which are capable of mediating the parasite killing. Our results indicate that the immunologic production of TNF is important in the activation of Kupffer cells to kill amoebic trophozoites.
Insights
Recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) activates Kupffer cells to kill Entamoeba histolytica parasites in vitro. This immune response is dependent on the Kupffer cell to parasite ratio and optimal TNF concentration.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Kupffer cells are critical immune cells in the liver.
- Entamoeba histolytica is an invasive parasite causing amoebiasis.
- The role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) in Kupffer cell-mediated parasite killing requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the capacity of recombinant TNF to induce Kupffer cells to kill Entamoeba histolytica in vitro.
- To determine the optimal conditions for TNF-induced amoebicidal activity.
Main Methods:
- Kupffer cells were isolated from C57BL/6 mice.
- Isolated Kupffer cells were treated with recombinant TNF.
- The amoebicidal activity of treated Kupffer cells against Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites was assessed in vitro.
- The effect of Kupffer cell:parasite ratio and TNF concentration was evaluated.
Main Results:
- TNF-treated Kupffer cells demonstrated significant amoebicidal activity against Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites.
- Amoebicidal activity was dependent on the Kupffer cell to parasite ratio, with maximal efficacy observed at a 1:5 ratio.
- Optimal induction of amoebicidal activity required a TNF concentration of 10(5) units.
- Both oxidative-dependent and -independent mechanisms appear to contribute to parasite killing.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant TNF effectively activates Kupffer cells to kill Entamoeba histolytica in vitro.
- TNF-induced Kupffer cell activation is a crucial component of the host immune response against amoebiasis.
- Endogenous TNF production likely plays a significant role in Kupffer cell-mediated parasite clearance.