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In vivo Imaging of Transgenic Leishmania Parasites in a Live Host
Published on: July 28, 2010
Evidence for direct interaction between mast cells and Leishmania parasites
M Bidri1, I Vouldoukis, M D Mossalayi
1Laboratoire d'Hématologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, Paris, France.
Parasite Immunology
|January 7, 1998
Summary
Mast cells release mediators upon direct contact with Leishmania parasites, suggesting a role for mast cells in innate immunity against cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Mast cells are key immune cells involved in host defense.
- Mast cells release cytokines upon stimulation by immune complexes.
- Mast cells can be activated independently of antibodies by bacterial contact, highlighting their role in innate immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if direct contact with Leishmania parasites induces mast cell mediator release.
- To determine if mast cells can be infected by Leishmania parasites.
- To explore the role of mast cells in the innate immune response to Leishmania infection.
Main Methods:
- In vitro co-culture of mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) with Leishmania parasites (promastigotes and amastigotes).
- Measurement of mediator release (beta-hexosaminidase, TNF-alpha) upon cell-parasite contact.
- Assessment of Leishmania infection of BMMC using microscopy and in vitro culture.
Main Results:
- Direct contact with live Leishmania major or Leishmania infantum promastigotes induced rapid release of preformed mediators (beta-hexosaminidase, TNF-alpha) from BMMC.
- Cell-parasite contact also stimulated de novo TNF-alpha synthesis by mast cells within hours.
- Leishmania promastigotes were shown to infect BMMC in vitro, transforming into intracellular amastigotes.
Conclusions:
- Mast cells can be directly activated by Leishmania parasites, releasing inflammatory mediators.
- Mast cells are susceptible to Leishmania infection, with parasites transforming into amastigotes intracellularly.
- These findings indicate that mast cells play a significant role in the innate immune response during the initial stages of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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