Regulation of the inflammatory immune response by the cytokine/chemokine network in amoebiasis

Abstract

Amoebiasis is caused by the protozoa Entamoeba histolytica and persists as one of the leading parasitic diseases affecting millions worldwide. This parasite invades the intestinal mucosa, causing amoebic colitis and ulcers. It may also spread to other organs, mainly the liver, causing amoebic liver abscess (ALA). Current research efforts have focused on the development of specific diagnostic tests and animal models searching for a better understanding of the complex physiopathology of this disease. Analysis of the inflammatory immune response during intestinal amoebiasis in both human disease and animal murine models has revealed an important regulatory role for chemokines and cytokines. Recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells can also be modulated by specific protease-mediated cleavage of cytokines and by secreted amoebic factors such as amoebapores and monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor (MLIF). Unlike intestinal amoebiasis, analysis of the immune response in ALA has mainly been done in the hamster model. This has limited our information regarding the immune response during this phase of the disease. However, even with these limitations, several Th1/2 cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-4, and regulatory cytokines, like IL-10 and TGFbeta, have been associated to the development of this disease.

Amebic monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor peptide ameliorates inflammation in CIA mouse model by downregulation of cell adhesion, inflammation/chemotaxis, and matrix metalloproteinases genes

“…The ability of MLIF to regulate and normalize genes (downregulating the upregulated genes and upregulating the downregulated genes, Table 2) involved in the inflammatory process in the CIA model suggests that it has an immunomodulatory effect. This is in agreement with the previously reported [20,21] role of MLIF and suggests a potential mechanism for amelioration of arthritis in the CIA model.…”

Prostaglandin E2Produced byEntamoeba histolyticaBinds to EP4 Receptors and Stimulates Interleukin-8 Production in Human Colonic Cells

“…Recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells can also be modulated by secreted amebic factors, such as amebapores and monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor. Several Th1/2 cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-4, and regulatory cytokines, like IL-10 and transforming growth factor ␤, have been shown to be associated with the development of amebiasis (13).…”

CCR9+ T cells contribute to the resolution of the inflammatory response in a mouse model of intestinal amoebiasis

“…It presence of multiple discrete lesions of varying stages ranging from superficial erosion of colonic epithelia to deep flask-shaped ulcers involving the mucosa and part of the muscularis mucosa and the serosa. Amoebic colitis progression has been related to Th2 type immune responses, while the resolution of the infection in this phase of the disease, appears to be mediated by a Th1 response (Espinosa-Cantellano and Martinez-Palomo 2000;Garcia-Zepeda et al 2007;Mortimer and Chadee 2010).…”