Anti-inflammatory defense mechanisms of Entamoeba histolytica

Inflamm Res. 2011 Feb;60(2):111-7. doi: 10.1007/s00011-010-0261-x. Epub 2010 Oct 12.

Abstract

The monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor (MLIF), a heat-stable oligopeptide found in the supernatant fluid of Entamoeba histolytica axenic cultures, may contribute to the delayed inflammation observed in amoebic hepatic abscess. This factor was isolated by ultra-filtration and high powered liquid chromatography, obtaining a primary Met-Gln-Cys-Asn-Ser structure, identified afterwards as the carboxyl-terminal (…Cys-Asn-Ser) active site. The selective anti-inflammatory effects of the pentapeptide have been observed in both in vitro and in vivo models, using a synthetic pentapeptide to maintain the same anti-inflammatory conditions during the experimental assays. Anti-inflammatory effects observed include inhibition of human monocyte locomotion and the respiratory burst in monocytes and neutrophils, increasing expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting expression of the adhesion molecules VLA-4 and VCAM, among others. In this review, we will describe the effects of MLIF detected so far and how it might be used as a therapeutical agent against inflammatory diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Entamoeba histolytica / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Oligopeptides / genetics
  • Oligopeptides / immunology*

Substances

  • Oligopeptides
  • monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor