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Effects of an anti-exospore monoclonal antibody on microsporidial development in vitro
F J Enriquez1, G Wagner, M Fragoso
1Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA. fje@u.arizona.edu
Abstract:
In this study we evaluated the effects of the anti-microsporidial exospore monoclonal antibody 3B6, recognizing 3 Encephalitozoon species, Encephalitozoon intestinalis (Syn. Septata intestinalis), Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and Encephalitozoon hellem on microsporidial growth in vitro. Pre-treatment of spores for 24 h with mAb 3B6 resulted in 21-29% fewer infected host cells 4 days after inoculation of the cultures compared to cultures pre-treated with medium or an irrelevant isotype control mAb (P < 0.001). Fewer intracellular spores (1.2 +/- 0.2) in infected cells were found when mAb 3B6 was present in cultures compared to cultures with medium alone (4.3 +/- 0.8) or an irrelevant isotype control mAb (4.2 +/- 0.9; P < 0.001). This decrease appeared not to be dependent on time of exposure, mAb concentration, or presence of complement. It is concluded that antibodies, particularly those directed to potential neutralizing-sensitive epitopes on spores, may have a role in the control of microsporidial growth in vitro.
Insights
Monoclonal antibody 3B6 effectively reduced microsporidial growth in vitro. This antibody targeting Encephalitozoon species significantly decreased infected host cells and intracellular spores, suggesting a role for antibodies in controlling microsporidial infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens causing infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Current treatments for microsporidiosis are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the anti-microsporidial exospore monoclonal antibody 3B6 against Encephalitozoon species in vitro.
- To determine the impact of mAb 3B6 on microsporidial growth and host cell infection.
Main Methods:
- In vitro culture of Encephalitozoon species (E. intestinalis, E. cuniculi, E. hellem).
- Pre-treatment of microsporidial spores with mAb 3B6 or control antibodies.
- Assessment of host cell infection rates and intracellular spore load post-inoculation.
Main Results:
- mAb 3B6 pre-treatment significantly reduced infected host cells by 21-29% compared to controls (P < 0.001).
- Fewer intracellular spores were observed in mAb 3B6 treated cultures (1.2 ± 0.2) versus controls (4.3 ± 0.8, P < 0.001).
- The observed reduction was independent of exposure time, antibody concentration, or complement presence.
Conclusions:
- Monoclonal antibody 3B6 demonstrates significant anti-microsporidial activity in vitro.
- Antibodies targeting spore surface epitopes may be a viable strategy for controlling microsporidial infections.
- Further research into antibody-based therapies for microsporidiosis is warranted.