Immunobiology of Biomphalaria–Trematode Interactions

Abstract

As the exclusive intermediate host of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, species of the snail Biomphalaria, especially Biomphalaria glabrata, have been the subjects of numerous studies focused on the immunobiology of parasite-host interactions. With the recent applications of molecular, genomic, proteomic and glycomic approaches to the study of Biomphalaria's immune response to schistosomes and other trematode species, there is now accumulating a wealth of information that is beginning to address the mechanisms underlying these complex parasite-host associations. In this chapter, we attempt to broadly review our past understanding of Biomphalaria immunity and integrate recent information on the cellular and molecular events surrounding initial immune responses to larval trematode infections, the consequences of immune interactions and counter-immune strategies used by these parasites.

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns activate expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, immunity and detoxification in the amebocyte-producing organ of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata

“…Snail defense cells, called amebocytes or hemocytes, are responsible for the cellular recognition of foreign bodies and for phagocytosis and cytotoxic reactions (Larson et al, 2014; Yoshino and Coustau, 2011; Zahoor et al, 2014). The circulating hemocytes are produced in B. glabrata primarily in the amebocyte-producing organ (APO), considered here synonymous with the anterior pericardial wall.…”

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Punica Granatum L. Peels and Its Role as Immunostimulant Against Schistosoma Mansoni Infection in Biomphalaria Alexandrina

“…These cells have an important role in phagocytosis and encapsulation reactions. During their course of development within snails, schistosomes larvae are in direct and intimate contact with the snail's tissues starts from miracidial penetration and ends with cercarial release within weeks after initial infection [53,54]. Many cellular and humoral factors have been studied with the hope that they might be used as indicators for measures of the effectiveness of potential immunostimulants [55].…”

Identification of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) binding motifs in Biomphalaria glabrata

“…Studies of the mechanisms by which this snail defends itself against pathogens have provided some understanding of B. glabrata's immune system (Yoshino and Coustau, 2011). At the cellular level, the snail's defense strategies include phagocytosis and cellular encapsulation of pathogens, while humoral factors include lectins, the production of oxygen radicals and a recently identified family of fibrinogen-related proteins (FREPs) (Yoshino and Coustau, 2011).…”

“…Studies of the mechanisms by which this snail defends itself against pathogens have provided some understanding of B. glabrata's immune system (Yoshino and Coustau, 2011). At the cellular level, the snail's defense strategies include phagocytosis and cellular encapsulation of pathogens, while humoral factors include lectins, the production of oxygen radicals and a recently identified family of fibrinogen-related proteins (FREPs) (Yoshino and Coustau, 2011). These defense mechanisms likely involve changes in gene expression, and several studies show that the transcriptional profile of B. glabrata is modified in response to stressors such as gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, mechanical wounding, and metazoan parasites Hanelt et al, 2008;Hanington et al, 2010;Ittiprasert et al, 2010;Lockyer et al, 2012;Mitta et al, 2005;Zahoor et al, 2014).…”