Molecular insights into a tetraspanin in the hydatid tapewormEchinococcus
granulosus
Hu D, Song X, Xie Y, Zhong X, Wang N, Zheng Y, Gu X, Wang T, Peng X, Yang G
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease), caused by the tapewormEchinococcus granulosus(class Cestoda; family Taeniidae), is a neglected tropical disease that results in morbidity and mortality in millions of humans, as well as in huge economic losses in the livestock industry globally. Proteins from the tetraspanin family in parasites have recently become regarded as crucial molecules in interaction with hosts in parasitism and are therefore suitable for the development of vaccines and diagnostic agents. However, no information is available to date onE. granulosustetraspanin.
METHODS：In this study, a uroplakin-I-like tetraspanin (Eg-TSP1) ofE. granulosuswas cloned and expressed inE. coli. The immunolocalization of Eg-TSP1 in different life stages ofE. granulosuswas determined using specific polyclonal antibody. The antibody and cytokine profiles of mice that immunized with recombinant Eg-TSP1 (rEg-TSP1) were measured for the immunogenicity analysis of this protein. Additionally, we use RNA interference method to explore the biological function of Eg-TSP1 in larva ofE. granulosus.
RESULTS: Immunofluorescence analysis showed that endogenous Eg-TSP1 mainly localized in the tegument of larvae and adults. Significantly elevated levels of antibodies IgG1 and IgG2a and of cytokines IFN-γ and IL-12 were observed in the sera of mice after immunization with rEg-TSP1, suggesting a typical T helper (Th)1-mediated immune response elicited by rEg-TSP1. On further probing the role of Eg-TSP1 inE. granulosusby RNA interference, we found that a thinner tegmental distal cytoplasm was induced in protoscoleces treated with siRNA-132 compared to controls.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report characterizing a tetraspanin from the tapewormE. granulosus. Our results suggest that Eg-TSP1 is associated with biogenesis of the tegument and maintenance of structural integrity ofE. granulosusand could therefore be a candidate intervention target for control of hydatid disease.
Parasit Vectors. 2015 Jun 10;8:311. doi: 10.1186/s13071-015-0926-y.
Read full text: http://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/8/1/311
