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Activation of dendritic cells by the Gal‐lectin of Entamoeba histolytica drives Th1 responses in vitro and in vivo
Author(s) -
Ivory Catherine P. A.,
Chadee Kris
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
european journal of immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.272
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1521-4141
pISSN - 0014-2980
DOI - 10.1002/eji.200636476
Subject(s) - entamoeba histolytica , biology , in vivo , lectin , in vitro , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , biochemistry , genetics
Abstract Amebiasis is a human disease caused by the protozoan intestinal parasite Entamoeba histolytica . Vaccine development has focused on the parasite's surface galactose‐ N ‐acetyl‐ d‐ galactosamine inhibitable lectin (Gal‐lectin) as a protective antigen. The Gal‐lectin is immunogenic and has been shown to induce Th1 cytokines in vitro and in vivo. The immunological basis of the protective immune response elicited by the Gal‐lectin is unknown. In this study, we investigated the response of BALB/c bone marrow‐derived DC to E. histolytica Gal‐lectin. Incubation of immature DC with Gal‐lectin resulted in activation and maturation after 24 h. FACS analysis demonstrated an up‐regulation of DC maturation markers CD80, CD86, CD40 and MHC class II upon exposure to Gal‐lectin. The Gal‐lectin also induced DC production of IL‐12, indicating a Th1 response. Gal‐lectin‐activated DC were able to stimulate T cell proliferation in an allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction and adoptive transfer of Gal‐lectin‐treated DC into naïve mice resulted in IFN‐γ‐producing Gal‐lectin‐sensitized T cells. The activation of DC by Gal‐lectin was mediated by MAPK and NF‐κB. These findings indicate that E. histolytica Gal‐lectin is a potent vaccine antigen capable of directly initiating DC maturation and activation characterized by Th1 cytokine production.