Trypanosoma cruzi and American Leishmania spp: immunocytochemical localization of a laminin-like protein in the plasma membrane

A preliminary approach to the separation ofLeishmaniacell-surface antigens

The purpose of the current study was to characterize Leishmania cell-surface antigens by two different methods established for the purification of glycoproteins and proteins, and to point out a useful approach to define their size and mass heterogeneity. L. tropica parasites were initially isolated from patients with active cutaneous leishmaniasis and were then cultured in vitro. The parasite-cell layer was solubilised with 6 M guanidinium chloride (GuHCl) and subsequently prepared for the purification procedure. The methods used in this work were gel filtration chromatography and isopycnic density-gradient centrifugation. Because of the presence of a substantial amount of non-specific proteins in the culture medium, these methods were not effective alone in distinguishing these antigens. However, a good idea of their N-glycosylated structures could be obtained by using Periodic acid-Schiffs (PAS) and Con A lectin, and also size and mass heterogeneity. A combination of these methods effected a clear separation of the antigens. Amino acid analysis of the purified antigens was performed to positively identify them as well-known Leishmania cell-surface antigen gene products. The results confirmed the presence of more than one cell-surface antigen on the Leishmania parasite and the combination of gel chromatography and density-gradient centrifugation could be useful for their isolation.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a laminin-binding protein (AhLBP) from Acanthamoeba healyi

Adherence of Acanthamoeba to host tissue is believed to be crucial in the establishment of amoebic keratitis or GAE. We have isolated a cDNA from a GAE-causing gymnoamoeba, Acanthamoeba healyi, encoding a protein that binds laminin by screening with a peptide G-specific DNA probe. The cDNA clone (AhLBP) was identified on the basis of sequence homology to the nonintegrin mammalian metastasis-associated 67-kDa laminin receptor (67-LR). The predicted amino acid sequence is 256 residues long with a calculated molecular mass of 28.2kDa and a theoretical pI of 5.48. Southern and Northern blot analyses suggested the gene as a single copy in A. healyi genome and expressed as a single transcript of approximately 1.0kb. Virulent strains of Acanthamoeba revealed higher level of the AhLBP mRNA expression than soil isolates. Specific binding of the purified recombinant protein to laminin was confirmed by sandwich Western blot. The polypeptide encoded by AhLBP shared substantial identity with the acidic class ribosomal proteins involved in protein synthesis. Therefore, the AhLBP may be multifunctional in A. healyi, acting as a laminin-binding molecule but also playing a role in cell division and growth. AhLBP-EGFP fusion protein expressed in A. healyi was localized mainly at the cell membrane and nucleus and at cytoplasm with lesser degree. N-terminal 64 amino acids were important for the localization at the cell membrane. This is the first description of a cDNA encoding a laminin-binding protein from protozoan parasites.

Cloning and expression of a cDNA encoding a nonintegrin laminin-binding protein from Echinococcus granulosus with localization of the laminin-binding domain

We have isolated a cDNA from the hydatid tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus, encoding a protein that binds laminin. This is the first report of a helminth parasite laminin-binding protein and the first description of a cDNA encoding a laminin-binding protein from a parasite. The cDNA clone (egmo3) was isolated from an E. granulosus protoscolex cDNA expression library, and identified on the basis of sequence homology to the nonintegrin mammalian metastasis-associated 67-kDa laminin receptor (67-LR). The amino acid sequence predicted from the cDNA sequence is 268 residues long with a calculated molecular mass of 29.9 kDa. Southern blot analysis suggested that many copies of the gene may occur in the E. granulosus genome. A Northern blot revealed that the gene is expressed as a single transcript of approximately 1 kb consistent with the size of the cDNA insert. Antibodies raised to the purified protein interacted with a 30 kDa protein in whole E. granulosus protoscoleces. A Western blot of the purified and refolded recombinant protein specifically bound 125I-labelled laminin, as did a synthetic peptide derived from the inferred amino acid sequence of egmo3 which is similar in homology to peptide G, the active ligand-binding site of 67-LR. We also isolated the 3' end of the cDNA encoding the homologous protein from the closely related species, E. multilocularis. The polypeptide encoded by egmo3 also shares substantial identity with the acidic class of ribosomal proteins which are involved in protein synthesis. As such, the egmo3 protein may be multifunctional in E. granulosus, acting as a laminin-binding molecule but also playing a role in cell division and growth.

Changes in isotype composition and antigen recognition of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies from acute to chronic Chagas disease

This report describes differences in humoral immune response of acute and chronic phases of human Chagas disease. The reactivities of IgG, IgM, and IgA anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies in serum samples from both groups of patients were compared by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) employing either one of four antigenic fractions: mouse laminin (LAM), which reacts through Gal alpha 1-3Gal epitopes expressed on trypomastigote surface: whole intact trypomastigotes (TCT); trypomastigotes excreted/secreted antigens (TESA); and epimastigote alkaline extract (EAE). The selection of T. cruzi antigen preparations was based on their relative content of surface and internal antigens found in trypomastigote forms. The proportion of IgG reactive to carbohydrate epitopes was assessed through the decay of IgG reactivity from acute and chronic sera after m-periodate oxidation of solid-phase bound antigens. Trypomastigote and TESA antigens recognized by IgG from acute and chronic sera were also compared by immunoblotting. ELISA and immunoblotting data showed that: (1) the proportion of IgG directed to trypomastigote surface antigens was higher in acute than in chronic sera, whereas the opposite was found for internal antigens, (2) acute sera contained a higher percentage of IgG reactive to trypomastigote carbohydrate epitopes than chronic sera, and (3) anti-T. cruzi IgA was found exclusively in acute sera and led to 100% positivity when LAM, TCT, and TESA were employed as antigens. IgA ELISA with these antigens and IgG immunoblotting pattern with TESA could be useful as serological markers for the acute phase of human Chagas disease.

American Leishmania Spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi: Galactosylα(1–3)galactose epitope localization by colloidal gold immunocytochemistry and lectin cytochemistry

Patients with Chagas' disease or different clinical forms of leishmaniasis (cutaneous or visceral) have elevated galactosyl alpha (1-3)galactose antibodies. Using colloidal gold immunocytochemistry--monoclonal antibody gal-13 (specific for lipid-linked galactosyl alpha (1-3)galactose residues) and anti-nidogen antibodies and lectin cytochemistry (Bandeiraea simplicifolia IB4), both techniques specific for demonstrating galactosyl alpha (1-3)galactose residues--we have found terminal disaccharide residues on the Trypanosoma cruzi external surface of Vero cell-derived trypomastigotes but not in intact epimastigotes (although disrupted epimastigotes strongly stained), in the lips of the flagellar pocket, and on the parasitic side exactly opposite to the flagellar pocket in amastigote and promastigote forms of American Leishmania. These results resemble those obtained using anti-laminin antibodies in both trypanosomatids. In addition, results obtained with anti-nidogen antibodies seem to recognize in Trypanosoma cruzi and American Leishmania culture forms another different unknown terminal disaccharide. These results confirm the presence of terminal galactosyl alpha (1-3)galactose residues in both trypanosomatids, and that rabbit anti-laminin antibodies are indeed also recognizing galactosyl alpha (1-3)galactose residues as demonstrated for human circulating antibody. The presence of abundant galactosyl alpha (1-3)galactose residues on Trypanosomatid family members suggests a specific unknown role in parasite physiology for this terminal disaccharide.

Distribution of carbohydrates recognized by the lectins Euonymus europaeus and concanavalin A in monoxenic and heteroxenic trypanosomatids

We observed a wide distribution of the carbohydrate epitopes galactosyl alpha(1-3)galactose (gal alpha1-3 gal), alpha-glucoside and alpha-mannoside in mono- and heteroxenic trypanosomatids by using fluorescein-labelled lectins of Euonymus europaeus (EE) and Concanavalin A (Con A) as well as sera from acute chagasic patients who have very high levels of anti-gal alpha(1-3)gal antibodies. The direct fluorescence test for gal alpha1-3 gal with EE was positive at minimum concentrations of 6 micrograms/ml for heteroxenic trypanosomatids and 0.7 micrograms/ml for monoxenic ones and for the plant parasite, Phytomonas. On the other hand, heteroxenic trypanosomatids that infect vertebrates bound ten-fold more Con A than monoxenic flagellates and Phytomonas. These data were confirmed in ELISA and Western Blot assays carried out with peroxidase-labelled EE and Con A. Euonymus europaeus recognized several glycoproteins in all trypanosomatids that we tested. Con A, however, recognized a glycoprotein cluster in heteroxenic protozoa, which ranging from 60-120 kDa, seemed to lack monoxenic parasites and Phytomonas. These findings suggest that alpha-D-mannose and alpha-D-glucose might play an important role in the interaction between trypanosomatids and vertebrate hosts.

[A study on the body fluid antigen of Clonorchis sinensis using immunogold labeling method]

In order to observe the antigenic localization in the tissues of the adult Clonorchis sinensis, immunogold labeling method was applied using serum immunoglobulins (IgG) of either worm-infected rabbits (group I) or antigen-immunized rabbits (group II) (by the body fluid obtained from the adult worms). The electron micrographs of the sectioned worm tissue antigens, embedded in Lowicryl HM 20 medium and stained with protein A-gold complex (particle size: 12 nm), were compared between the group I and group II. The gold particles were observed in the interstitial matrix of the worm parenchyma, the epithelial lamellae of the cecum, and the cecal lumen both in group I and II. But the particles were in general more concentrated in group II. The gold particles were not observed on the basal lamina of the tegument or on vitelline glands in group I, while they were highly concentrated on those areas in group II. There were also differences in the antigenicity of interstitial matrix(reacted with group I IgG) and head part(reacted with group II IgG) of the sperm cells in the seminal receptacle. Conclusively, it is suggested that the substances comprising the basal lamina of the tegument or vitelline glands act as specific antigens reacting with antigen(body fluid) immunized rabbit IgG. On the other hand, the substances in the cecal lumen and cecal epithelial lamellae are thought to be the specific antigen that react with the worm-infected rabbit IgG.

Digestion of killed Paracoccidioides brasiliensis by neutrophils

We previously described an in vitro assay showing that neutrophils (PMNs) from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PARA) have a specific digestive deficiency against suspensions of live Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. We now report that this defect is equally detectable against autoclaved, but not Amphotericin B-killed P. brasiliensis. The use of autoclaved suspensions facilitates the use of our in vitro assay. It might allow the development of an in vitro intradermal test for digestion of fungi. Differential digestive ability of phagocytes against live (or autoclaved) and Amphotericin-B killed fungi is of conceptual interest. It may be relevant in understanding therapeutic effect of Amphotericin B.

Chagas disease: A model for the study of autoimmune diseases

There are few natural animal model systems to study autoimmune disease caused by infectious agents; however, Trypanosoma cruzi infection of the mouse offers an excellent model for the induction of autoimmunity and its consequences. In this article Klaus Petty and Harvey Eisen explain that it is probably during the acute phase of the infection that the stage is set for the long-term pathology.

Presence of laminin-binding proteins in trichomonads and their role in adhesion

Adhesion is regarded as an important feature in the pathogenesis of various microorganisms. Ability to recognize extracellular matrix proteins, such as laminin or fibronectin, has been correlated with invasiveness. We report that laminin enhances the adhesion of the parasitic protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus to a polystyrene substrate and to the surface of epithelial cells (Madin-Darby canine kidney cell line) in vitro. The enhancement was higher for T. vaginalis than for T. foetus. Addition of anti-laminin antibodies to medium significantly inhibited the adhesion of parasites to polystyrene substrate. Indirect immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy of replicas of the parasite's surface labeled with antibody-gold complexes showed laminin-binding sites distributed over the parasite surface. Iodinated P1 fragment of laminin, which retains the laminin-binding site, binds saturably to the parasite surface with a Kd of 19.5 nM, for about 3 X 10(5) binding sites per cell. Immunoblotting analysis of whole parasite extracts showed that a protein of 118 kDa is responsible for laminin binding.

Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and anti-laminin antibodies in chagasic patients after specific treatment

The antibody response to Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigote and trypomastigote stages, as well as to laminin, was studied in several groups of chagasic patients. In six patients who were cured of the parasite, the serum antibody titers as revealed by indirect immunofluorescence and hemagglutination tests against epimastigotes (conventional serology) and a complement-mediated lysis test with living trypomastigotes did not differ from those of normal individuals. In seven presumably cured patients, although the complement-mediated lysis test turned negative, conventional serology remained positive. Sera from this group of so-called "dissociated" patients presented significant lower mean antibody titers against epimastigote but not trypomastigote stages than did sera from 14 untreated patients (P less than 0.01). Most of the antibodies against trypomastigotes, including the residual levels found in cured patients, were absorbed by mouse laminin. In fact, significantly higher titers of anti-laminin antibodies were observed in sera from untreated chagasic patients (1.131 +/- 0.458) and cured patients (1.103 +/- 0.572) than in sera from eight normal individuals (0.459 +/- 0.402) (P less than 0.01). The anti-laminin titers were higher in sera of patients of blood group A or O than in those of patients of group B or AB. In Western blotting (immunoblotting) analysis against trypomastigotes, sera from chronic untreated patients recognized many polypeptide bands ranging from 26 to 160 kilodaltons, whereas no protein bands were observed with sera from cured patients. Only faint bands of parasite proteins were observed with sera of dissociated patients. In conjunction, the above data suggest that the anti-trypomastigote antibodies which persist after parasitological cure of patients with Chagas' disease are due mainly to cross-reactive epitopes from mouse laminin.

Anti-laminin and specific antibodies in acute Chagas disease

A striking increase of anti-laminin antibodies contrasting with low levels of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in sera of 16 patients at the acute phase of Chagas disease. The mean absorbancies using an anti-human IgG conjugate were 6563 and 202 for laminin and T. cruzi antigens, respectively; with anti-IgM conjugate the titres were 3442 and 207, respectively. In addition, indirect immunofluorescence tests performed with trypomastigotes from blood or cell cultures have shown extremely high titres (up to 1:10 240), which declined when mouse laminin-absorbed sera were used instead, apparently confirming the presence of laminin in the surface membrane of the parasites. These results support the view that the high anti-laminin titres found in patients with Chagas disease are induced by the newly described galactosyl-alpha 1-3-galactose epitope present in T. cruzi trypomastigotes and shared by mouse laminin.

Monoclonal antibodies to Staphylococcus aureus laminin-binding proteins cross-react with mammalian cells

We and others have previously shown that some microorganisms, including bacteria, express on their surfaces receptors that specifically recognize extracellular matrix proteins, such as laminin, fibronectin, or both. The ability of microorganisms to adhere and to invade might depend on the existence of receptors which could, thus, be correlated with pathogenicity. In the present paper, we report the isolation of five stable cell lines that were producers of monoclonal antibodies to Staphylococcus aureus laminin receptors. One of these antibodies, which was of the immunoglobulin M isotype, blocked the binding of laminin to bacteria before and after fixation and recognized the putative 52-kilodalton laminin-binding protein in whole bacterial extracts. Also, purified receptor was isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography and shown to bind laminin. Furthermore, the same antibodies bound the 67-kilodalton putative receptor from mouse melanoma cells and gave positive immunofluorescence reactions against mammalian tumor cells. These data strongly suggest either the evolutionary conservation of at least some sequences in both procaryotic and eucaryotic laminin-binding proteins or convergent evolution and positive selection of epitopes cross-reacting with laminin. Some of these antibodies to the procaryotic protein could therefore become useful markers for the expression of laminin receptors by cancer cells.

Antibodies to basement membrane protein nidogen in Chagas' disease and American cutaneous leishmaniasis

About 50 to 70% of sera from patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis and chronic Chagas' disease possessed antibodies which reacted in enzyme and radioimmunoassays with nidogen obtained from a tumor basement membrane. The antibodies were of the immunoglobulin M and G classes in acute American cutaneous leishmaniasis but mainly of the immunoglobulin G class in chronic Chagas' disease. Similar antibodies could not be detected in patients suffering from a variety of other infectious or inflammatory diseases when compared with healthy control groups. Inhibition and immunoadsorption studies indicated a close relationship of epitopes recognized by patients' antibodies on nidogen and on another basement membrane protein, laminin. Since rabbit antisera to both proteins do not cross-react, a special nature of the epitopes involved in the reaction with patient sera is suggested. Similar epitopes may exist on various forms of Leishmania or Trypanosoma protozoa.