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Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
Published on: December 18, 2012
Detection of Acanthamoeba from Acanthamoeba Keratitis Mouse Model Using Acanthamoeba-Specific Antibodies
Min-Jeong Kim1, A-Jeong Ham2, A-Young Park2
1Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.
Insights
New antibodies targeting Acanthamoeba proteins ACAP and PBP show promise for diagnosing Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in mice. This could lead to earlier detection and better treatment outcomes for this rare but serious eye infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but severe eye infection, particularly in contact lens wearers.
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment of AK can result in vision loss.
- Current diagnostic methods may not be sufficiently rapid or sensitive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic potential of antibodies against Acanthamoeba castellanii's adenylyl cyclase-associated protein (ACAP) and periplasmic binding protein (PBP).
- To evaluate these antibodies in a mouse model of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).
Main Methods:
- Antibody specificity to Acanthamoeba was confirmed using immunocytochemistry.
- AK mouse models were established via corneal infection with A. castellanii trophozoites.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect Acanthamoeba antigens in ocular samples and sera.
Main Results:
- Both ACAP and PBP antibodies effectively detected Acanthamoeba antigens in the tears and eyeball lysates of infected mice.
- Antigen detection levels were consistent at 7 and 21 days post-infection.
- IgM and IgA antibody levels in sera varied, with IgM showing the highest response.
Conclusions:
- ACAP and PBP antibodies demonstrate diagnostic utility for Acanthamoeba infections in ocular tissues.
- These findings support the development of novel diagnostic tools for Acanthamoeba keratitis.
- Early detection of AK is crucial for preventing vision loss.
Abstract:
Although the prevalence of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is rare, its incidence in contact lens wearers has increased. Acanthamoeba infections can lead to the loss of vision if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic potential of two antibodies raised against the adenylyl cyclase-associated protein (ACAP) and periplasmic binding protein (PBP) of A. castellanii in the AK mouse model. The specificity of ACAP and PBP antibodies to Acanthamoeba was confirmed by immunocytochemistry. AK mouse models were produced by corneal infections with A. castellanii trophozoites for 7 days and 21 days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results revealed that both ACAP and PBP antibodies successfully detected Acanthamoeba antigens in the tears and eyeball lysates of the AK mouse model. The detection levels of Acanthamoeba antigens were similar at both infection time points. Anti-Acanthamoeba IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies were evaluated from the sera of the AK mouse model. Notably, IgM and IgA antibody responses were highest and lowest at both time points, respectively. Our findings revealed that both ACAP and PBP antibodies could detect Acanthamoeba antigens in the tears and eyeball lysates of the AK mouse model. These results provide important information for understanding Acanthamoeba infections and developing a new diagnostic tool for AK.
