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Phenotypic analysis of bovine leukocyte cell lines infected with Theileria annulata
C J Howard1, P Sopp, P M Preston
1AFRC Institute for Animal Health, Compton, Newbury, UK.
Insights
Theileria annulata infects a broader range of bovine host cells than previously thought, potentially altering their surface molecule expression. This finding impacts understanding of Theileria annulata infection pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Theileria annulata is a protozoan parasite causing tropical theileriosis in cattle.
- Understanding the host cell tropism and surface molecule expression of infected cells is crucial for comprehending disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the surface molecule expression of Theileria annulata-infected cell lines.
- To determine the host cell origin and phenotype of Theileria annulata-infected cells.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic analysis of six Theileria annulata-infected cell lines using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry.
- Utilized monoclonal antibodies from the Second Workshop for surface molecule detection.
Main Results:
- Four in vitro and one in vivo Theileria annulata-infected cell lines from bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibited similar phenotypes.
- These cell lines did not show monocyte or B cell markers, nor T cell origin.
- An uncloned in vivo line was positive for CD3 and gamma/delta T cell receptor (TCR).
Conclusions:
- Theileria annulata can infect a wider variety of host cell types in vivo than previously recognized.
- Infected cells may display aberrant surface molecule expression patterns.
- These findings have significant implications for the pathogenesis of Theileria annulata infection.
Abstract:
Six cell lines that were infected with Theileria annulata were compared for expression of a range of surface molecules. Immunofluorescence staining with the panel of monoclonal antibodies formulated for the Second Workshop was analysed by flow cytometry. Four lines generated from bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells by exposure to sporozoites in vitro and one line generated in vivo from an infected calf were phenotypically similar. Phenotypic analysis of those lines did not demonstrate a monocyte or B cell origin, but indicated they were not derived from T cells. An uncloned line generated in vivo from an infected calf was CD3+ and gamma/delta TCR+. The results indicate that a wider range of host cell types may be infected in vivo than suspected hitherto and that some of the cells may express an abnormal pattern of surface molecules. Both could have profound consequences for the pathogenesis of T. annulata infection.