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In vitro effect of recombinant interferon gamma in combination with LPS on amoebicidal activity of murine Kupffer
1Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Abstract:
The present study examines the role of liver macrophages (Kupffer cells), of C57BL/6 mice, as effector cells responsible for the killing of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites in vitro. It was shown that unstimulated Kupffer cells were inefficient in the killing of E. histolytica trophozoites in vitro. Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) alone was not able to activate Kupffer cells to amoebicidal state. However, Interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) acted synergistically in this phenomenon. It seems that the acquisition of amoebicidal activity is associated with the involvement of hydrogen peroxide, because the addition of catalase partially decreases the killing of this parasite by Kupffer cells. In addition, it appears that the amoebicidal activity of IFN-gamma-treated Kupffer cells is contact-dependent. Our results indicate that the immunologic production of IFN-gamma is important in the activation of Kupffer cells for controlling this parasite and that Kupffer cells are strong effector cells against the amoebae.
Insights
Liver macrophages, or Kupffer cells, are crucial for fighting Entamoeba histolytica. Activation with Interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharide enhances their parasite-killing ability.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Liver macrophages, known as Kupffer cells, play a role in immune responses within the liver.
- Entamoeba histolytica is an important human parasite that can cause severe disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the capacity of Kupffer cells to kill Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites in vitro.
- To determine the mechanisms and factors involved in Kupffer cell activation against this parasite.
Main Methods:
- In vitro co-culture of C57BL/6 mouse Kupffer cells with Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites.
- Treatment of Kupffer cells with Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- Assessment of parasite killing and involvement of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using catalase.
Main Results:
- Unstimulated Kupffer cells showed limited ability to kill E. histolytica.
- IFN-gamma alone did not induce significant amoebicidal activity.
- Synergistic activation of Kupffer cells by IFN-gamma and LPS resulted in enhanced parasite killing.
- Hydrogen peroxide production by Kupffer cells contributed to amoebicidal activity.
- The killing mechanism appeared to be contact-dependent.
Conclusions:
- Kupffer cells can be activated to become effective effector cells against Entamoeba histolytica.
- The combination of IFN-gamma and LPS is crucial for potent Kupffer cell activation.
- IFN-gamma plays a significant role in the immunologic control of E. histolytica via Kupffer cell activation.
