Trichinella spiralis Paramyosin Binds to C8 and C9 and Protects the Tissue-Dwelling Nematode from Being Attacked by Host Complement
2011

How Trichinella spiralis Uses Paramyosin to Avoid Immune Attack

Sample size: 8 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Zhang Zhifei, Yang Jing, Wei Junfei, Yang Yaping, Chen Xiaoqin, Zhao Xi Gu, Yuan Cui, Shijuan Zhu, Xinping

Primary Institution: Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China

Hypothesis

Can Trichinella spiralis paramyosin bind to host complement components and protect against host complement attack?

Conclusion

The study suggests that the outer membrane form of T. spiralis paramyosin plays an important role in evading host complement attack.

Supporting Evidence

  • Paramyosin was found on the surface of T. spiralis larvae.
  • Recombinant paramyosin inhibited complement-mediated lysis of rabbit erythrocytes.
  • Blocking paramyosin with specific antibodies reduced the viability of larvae under complement attack.

Takeaway

Trichinella spiralis has a special protein that helps it hide from the body's defenses, allowing it to survive and cause infection.

Methodology

The study used RT-PCR, western blot analysis, immunogold electron microscopy, and functional assays to investigate the binding of paramyosin to complement components.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.006

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pntd.0001225

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