Abstract
Here we investigated whether the depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes, observed in mononuclear cells incubated with Taenia solium metacestode E/S products or with living cysts was due to apoptosis. Using the deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL), electron microscopy and DNA gel electrophoresis, we found signs of apoptosis in these cells. Results showed that cysteine protease activity was responsible for this effect, since E-64 prevented cell death in all cases. Electron microscopy studies showed that lymphocytes exhibited features of apoptosis such as cellular membrane integrity, strangling and fragmentation of nuclei, chromatin condensation, apoptotic bodies and loss of microvilli. In contrast, lymphocytes co-cultured with living metacestodes plus E-64 exhibited integrity of their structures. DNA fragmentation was detected by TUNEL assays and DNA gel electrophoresis. The results suggested that cell death induced by the cysteine protease from the T. solium metacestode may be involved in down-regulation of cell-mediated responses in infected hosts.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
