A novel host-parasite lipid cross-talk. Schistosomal lyso-phosphatidylserine activates toll-like receptor 2 and affects immune polarization.
Schistosome infections are characterized by prominent T cell hyporesponsiveness during the chronic stage of infection. We found that schistosome-specific phosphatidylserine (PS) activated TLR2 and affected dendritic cells such that mature dendritic cells gained the ability to induce the development of IL-10-producing regulatory T cells. Using mass spectrometry, schistosomal lysophosphatidylserine (lyso-PS) was identified as the TLR2-activating molecule. This activity appears to be a unique property of schistosomal lyso-PS, containing specific acyl chains, because neither a synthetic lyso-PS (16:0) nor PS isolated from the mammalian host activates TLR2. Taken together, these findings provide evidence for a novel host-parasite interaction that may be central to long term survival of the parasite and limited host pathology with implications beyond parasitology.
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008246:Lysophospholipids / Q000378:metabolism*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D051195:Toll-Like Receptor 2; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors
D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D008246:Lysophospholipids; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C495342:TLR2 protein, human; D051195:Toll-Like Receptor 2; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors; C025059:lysophosphatidylserine