Entamoeba histolytica activates host cell caspases during contact-dependent cell killing.
Entamoeba histolytica is a human intestinal parasite that causes amoebic colitis as well as liver abscesses. Host tissues are damaged through a three-step process involving adherence, contact-dependent cytolysis, and phagocytosis. These three processes all contribute to the pathogenicity of this parasite. Adherence is provided by the Gal/GalNAc adherence lectin. Host cells are lysed in a contact-dependent fashion. There is evidence that suggests that this contact-dependent killing involves the induction of the host cell's apoptotic machinery. Phagocytosis can then occur, consistent with metazoan apoptotic clearance.
Boettner
D R
DR
Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, MR4 Bldg. Room 2115, Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1340, USA.
Petri
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WA
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D004404:Dysentery, Amebic / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000502:physiology*; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000502:physiology
D020169:Caspases