Identification of a fibronectin-like molecule on the surface of Leishmania amastigotes.
The major surface glycoprotein of Leishmania gp63, a fibronectin-like molecule, plays a key role in parasite-macrophage interaction. In this article, we describe a cross-reactivity between an anti-fibronectin monoclonal antibody and the amastigote gp63 by means of immunoelectron microscopy and immunoblot. Immunoreactivity was found on the amastigote membrane and in the flagellar pocket. We suggest that gp63 may play a role in the protection and/or nutrition process of the parasite in the phagolysosomes of the macrophage.
Del Cacho
E
E
Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Spain.
Quilez
J
J
Lopez-Bernad
F
F
Sanchez-Acedo
C
C
Gallego
M
M
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000469:parasitology; D004285:Dogs; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007891:Leishmania / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D016253:Microscopy, Immunoelectron; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005353:Fibronectins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D015800:Protozoan Proteins