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Trichosanthin, an initiator of the alternative complement activation pathway
1Department of Immunology, Shanghai Second Medical University, People's Republic of China.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Trichosanthin (TCS), a plant protein, activates the complement alternative pathway (APC). This immune response in mice leads to increased white blood cells and neutrophil accumulation, highlighting TCS’s inflammatory potential.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Trichosanthin (TCS) is a protein isolated from Trichosanthes Kirilowii Maxim.
- The complement system is a crucial part of the innate immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism by which TCS interacts with the human complement system.
- To determine the in vivo effects of TCS-mediated complement activation.
Main Methods:
- Assessing complement activation by measuring C3 conversion in normal human serum.
- Testing the role of the alternative pathway by depleting factor B and using EGTA.
- Administering TCS to BALB/c mice to measure serum complement alternative pathway (APC) activity.
- Evaluating inflammatory responses in mice, including leucocyte count and neutrophil accumulation.
Main Results:
- TCS induced C3 conversion in normal serum, indicating complement activation.
- Complement activation by TCS was dependent on factor B, confirming alternative pathway involvement.
- TCS injection in mice depleted APC activity, demonstrating in vivo activation.
- Peritoneal injection of TCS led to increased leucocyte counts and neutrophil infiltration.
Conclusions:
- Trichosanthin activates the complement alternative pathway.
- TCS induces an inflammatory response characterized by neutrophil accumulation.
- TCS has the potential to modulate immune responses through complement activation.