Immunological role of the endosymbionts of Dirofilaria immitis: the Wolbachia surface protein activates canine neutrophils with production of IL-8.
Vet Parasitol
; 117(1-2): 73-83, 2003 Nov 03.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-14597281
ABSTRACT
Filarial nematodes, including Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens, harbour intracellular bacteria belonging to the genus Wolbachia. These bacteria have been implicated in the pathogenesis of filarial diseases, possibly through their endotoxins. Recent studies have shown that a major surface protein of Wolbachia (WSP) induces a specific IgG response in hosts infected by D. immitis. WSP from the Wolbachia of D. immitis was produced in recombinant form. The purified protein was used in stimulation assays on canine neutrophils. The assays performed using a modified Boyden chamber showed that WSP stimulates neutrophil chemokinesis. In addition, RT-PCR revealed increased production of chemokine IL-8 by cells incubated with this protein. Neutrophils have been shown to play a major role in the pathogenesis of river blindness, and to accumulate in the nodules of onchocerciasis patients. In dogs infected by D. immitis, neutrophils accumulate in kidneys and in the wall of pulmonary arteries. As shown by our studies, Wolbachia could contribute to these inflammatory phenomena through its surface protein WSP, independently from its endotoxin component.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Symbiosis
/
Wolbachia
/
Dirofilaria
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Vet Parasitol
Year:
2003
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: