Schistosoma mansoni hemozoin modulates alternative activation of macrophages via specific suppression of Retnla expression and secretion.

ABSTRACT: The trematode Schistosoma mansoni is one of the etiological agents of schistosomiasis, a key neglected tropical disease responsible for an estimated annual loss of 70 million disability-adjusted life years. Hematophagy represents the primary nutrient acquisition pathway of this parasite, but digestion of hemoglobin also liberates toxic heme. Schistosomes detoxify heme via crystallization into hemozoin, which is subsequently regurgitated into the host's circulation. Here we demonstrate that during experimental schistosomiasis, hemozoin accumulating in the mouse liver is taken up by phagocytes at a time coincident with the development of the egg-induced T-helper 2 (Th2) granulomatous immune response. Furthermore, the uptake of hemozoin also coincides with the hepatic expression of markers of

SUBMITTER: Truscott M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3536150 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature