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Cell invasion by the microsporidium Encephalitozoon intestinalis
A Magaud1, A Achbarou, I Desportes-Livage
1INSERM U 313, CHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris.
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology
|March 21, 1998
Summary
E. intestinalis spores invade host cells through phagocytosis, utilizing host cell membrane alterations. This process involves polar tube extrusion within a pseudopod, highlighting pathogen-induced changes that facilitate entry.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites with complex infection mechanisms.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural details of Enterocytozoon intestinalis (E. intestinalis) invasion into host cells.
- To elucidate the role of host cell alterations in the entry process of E. intestinalis spores.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to examine the ultrastructure of infected THP1 and RK13 cells.
- Detailed observation of spore-host cell interactions during the invasion process.
Main Results:
- Infective E. intestinalis spores enter THP1 and RK13 cells via phagocytosis.
- Spore entry is initiated by the apical contact with the host cell membrane, triggering an invagination.
- The polar tube is extruded within a host cell membrane invagination, extending into a microfilament-containing pseudopod.
Conclusions:
- E. intestinalis actively manipulates host cell membranes to facilitate its entry.
- The observed phagocytic process and pseudopod formation suggest pathogen-induced host cell modifications are key to invasion.
- These findings contribute to the understanding of intracellular pathogen invasion mechanisms.