title: Galectin-11: A novel host mediator targeting specific stages of the gastrointestinal nematode parasite, Haemonchus contortus.
abstract: Galectin-11 is released from epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically following infection with gastrointestinal parasites including the highly pathogenic nematode, Haemonchus contortus. The function(s) of galectin-11 are currently unknown but seem to be associated with the development of immunity by the host. The aim of the present study was to examine the interaction of galectin-11 with the different parasitic life cycle stages of H. contortus and determine any effects on parasite development. The results of this study showed that galectin-11 binds to the surface of the L4 and adult stages of the parasite but not to the exsheathed L3 stage. In addition, at a lower concentration, binding to the L4 was specifically localised to the pharynx region. Subsequent in vitro assays demonstrated significant inhibition of larval growth and development in the presence of recombinant galectin-11. These results indicate, to our knowledge for the first time, a functional role for galectin-11 in gastrointestinal nematode infection of ruminants and a mechanism of action of galectin-11, targeting the development and growth of the L4 and possibly the adult parasite stage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2800, Australia. Electronic address: sarah.preston@unimelb.edu.au.
authors.forename: S J M
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Preston
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Beddoe
authors.affiliation: Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2800, Australia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Walkden-Brown
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Faculty of Science, Federation University, Churchill, Victoria 3842, Australia.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Meeusen
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia; Faculty of Science, Federation University, Churchill, Victoria 3842, Australia.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Piedrafita
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D037161:Galectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006189:Haemonchus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D011485:Protein Binding; D012756:Sheep
chemical_list: D037161:Galectins
keywords: Exsheathment; Galectin-11; Haemonchus contortus; Immuno-staining; In vitro larval assays; Larval growth assay; Larval molting assay; Mucosal immunity