Preliminary characterization of a Rhodnius prolixus hemolymph trypanolytic protein, this being a determinant of Trypanosoma rangeli KP1(+) and KP1(-) subpopulations' vectorial ability

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2008 Mar;103(2):172-9. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02762008000200008.

Abstract

Rhodnius prolixus is the main Trypanosoma rangeli vector in several Latin-American countries and is susceptible to infection with KP1(+) strains; however, it presents an invasion-resistant response to KP1(-) strains. The present work has identified a trypanolytic protein against T. rangeli KP1(-) in the R. prolixus hemolymph which was fractioned with ammonium sulfate (following dialysis). The results revealed a protein component which did not depend on divalent cations for its biological function whilst keeping its trypanolytic activity at temperatures ranging from -20 masculineC to 37 masculineC, at 7.0 to 10.5 pH. The protein was partially purified by gel filtration chromatography and ionic exchange chromatography. The major component presented a molecular weight of around 79 kDa and an isoelectric point between 4.9 and 6.3 and may be directly related to hemolymph trypanolytic activity against T. rangeli KP1(-) populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Chromatography, Ion Exchange
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Hemolymph / chemistry*
  • Hemolymph / parasitology
  • Insect Vectors / parasitology*
  • Protozoan Proteins / blood*
  • Rhodnius / parasitology*
  • Time Factors
  • Trypanosoma / chemistry*

Substances

  • Protozoan Proteins