Trogocytosis by Entamoeba histolytica contributes to cell killing and tissue invasion.

ABSTRACT: Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebiasis, a potentially fatal diarrhoeal disease in the developing world. The parasite was named "histolytica" for its ability to destroy host tissues, which is probably driven by direct killing of human cells. The mechanism of human cell killing has been unclear, although the accepted model was that the parasites use secreted toxic effectors to kill cells before ingestion. Here we report the discovery that amoebae kill by ingesting distinct pieces of living human cells, resulting in intracellular calcium elevation and eventual cell death. After cell killing, amoebae detach and cease ingestion. Ingestion of human cell fragments is required for cell killing, and also contributes to invasion of intestinal tissue. The internalization of fragme

SUBMITTER: Ralston KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4006097 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature