Title | Specific uptake of tumor necrosis factor-alpha is involved in growth control of Trypanosoma brucei. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1997 |
Authors | Magez, S., M. Geuskens, A. Beschin, H. del Favero, H. Verschueren, R. Lucas, E. Pays, and P. De Baetselier |
Journal | J Cell Biol |
Volume | 137 |
Issue | 3 |
Pagination | 715-27 |
Date Published | 1997 May 5 |
ISSN | 0021-9525 |
Keywords | Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Antibodies, Monoclonal, Binding Sites, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Lysosomes, Mice, Microscopy, Electron, Molecular Sequence Data, Peptides, Protozoan Proteins, Temperature, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Water-Electrolyte Balance |
Abstract | Trypanosoma brucei is lysed by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in a dose-dependent way, involving specific binding of the cytokine to a trypanosomal glycoprotein present in the flagellar pocket of the parasite. TNF-alpha-gold particles are endocytosed via coated pits and vesicles and are directed towards lysosome-like digestive organelles. The specific uptake of the cytokine by the parasite results in a developmentally regulated loss of osmoregulatory capacity. TNF-alpha specific lysis is prevented when lysis assays are performed at a temperature <26 degrees C, despite uptake of the cytokine. Inhibition of lysis is also observed when a lysosomotropic agent is added during the first 2 h of incubation. Both monomorphic and pleomorphic trypanosomes are lysed but only when isolated during the peak of parasitaemia. Lysis is not observed with early infection stage parasites or procyclic (insect-specific) forms. Anti-TNF-alpha treatment of T. brucei-infected mice reveals a dramatic increase in parasitaemia in the blood circulation, the spleen, the lymph nodes, and the peritoneal cavity. These data suggest that in the mammalian host, TNF-alpha is involved in the growth control of T. brucei. |
Alternate Journal | J. Cell Biol. |
PubMed ID | 9151676 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC2139880 |
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