The role of lipopeptidophosphoglycan in the immune response to Entamoeba histolytica

J Biomed Biotechnol. 2010:2010:254521. doi: 10.1155/2010/254521. Epub 2010 Jan 21.

Abstract

The sensing of Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) by innate immune receptors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), is the first step in the inflammatory response to pathogens. Entamoeba histolytica, the etiological agent of amebiasis, has a surface molecule with the characteristics of a PAMP. This molecule, which was termed lipopeptidophosphoglycan (LPPG), is recognized through TLR2 and TLR4 and leads to the release of cytokines from human monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells; LPPG-activated dendritic cells have increased expression of costimulatory molecules. LPPG activates NKT cells in a CD1d-dependent manner, and this interaction limits amebic liver abscess development. LPPG also induces antibody production, and anti-LPPG antibodies prevent disease development in animal models of amebiasis. Because LPPG is recognized by both the innate and the adaptive immune system (it is a "Pamptigen"), it may be a good candidate to develop a vaccine against E. histolytica infection and an effective adjuvant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology*
  • Entamoeba histolytica / immunology*
  • Entamoebiasis / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Immunological
  • Peptidoglycan / immunology*
  • Phospholipids / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Peptidoglycan
  • Phospholipids
  • lipopeptidophosphoglycan