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1000
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Abstract/Summary
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Schistosoma parasites, causing schistosomiasis, exhibit typical host specificity in host preference. Many mammals,
including humans, are susceptible to infection, while the widely distributed rodent, Microtus fortis, exhibits natural antischistosome characteristics. The mechanisms of host susceptibility remain poorly understood. Comparison of
schistosome infection in M. fortis with the infection in laboratory mice (highly sensitive to infection) offers a good
model system to investigate these mechanisms and to gain an insight into host specificity. In this study, we showed
that large numbers of leukocytes attach to the surface of human schistosomes in M. fortis but not in mice. Single-cell
RNA-sequencing analyses revealed that macrophages might be involved in the cell adhesion, and we further
demonstrated that M. fortis macrophages could be mediated to attach and kill schistosomula with dependence on
Complement component 3 (C3) and Complement receptor 3 (CR3). Importantly, we provided direct evidence that M.
fortis macrophages could destroy schistosomula by trogocytosis, a previously undescribed mode for killing helminths.
This process was regulated by Ca2+/NFAT signaling. These findings not only elucidate a novel anti-schistosome
mechanism in M. fortis but also provide a better understanding of host parasite interactions, host specificity and the
potential generation of novel strategies for schistosomiasis control.
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