Options
Ir-LBP, an <i>Ixodes ricinus</i> Tick Salivary LTB4-Binding Lipocalin, Interferes with Host Neutrophil Function
Auteur(s)
Beaufays, Jérôme
Adam, Benoît
Menten-Dedoyart, Catherine
Fievez, Laurence
Grosjean, Amélie
Decrem, Yves
Prévôt, Pierre-Paul
Santini, Sébastien
Brasseur, Robert
Vanhaeverbeek, Michel
Bureau, Fabrice
Heinen, Ernst
Lins, Laurence
Vanhamme, Luc
Godfroid, Edmond
Date de parution
2008
In
PLoS One, Public Library of Science (PloS), 2008/3/12/e3987 1-13
Résumé
<b><i>Background</i></b> : During their blood meal, ticks secrete a wide variety of proteins that can interfere with their host's defense mechanisms. Among these proteins, lipocalins play a major role in the modulation of the inflammatory response. <br> <b><i>Methodology/Principal Findings</i></b> : We previously identified 14 new lipocalin genes in the tick <i>Ixodes ricinus</i>. One of them codes for a protein that specifically binds leukotriene B4 with a very high affinity (Kd: ±1 nM), similar to that of the neutrophil transmembrane receptor BLT1. By in silico approaches, we modeled the 3D structure of the protein and the binding of LTB4 into the ligand pocket. This protein, called Ir-LBP, inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis <i>in vitro</i> and delays LTB4-induced apoptosis. Ir-LBP also inhibits the host inflammatory response <i>in vivo</i> by decreasing the number and activation of neutrophils located at the tick bite site. Thus, Ir-LBP participates in the tick's ability to interfere with proper neutrophil function in inflammation. <br> <b><i>Conclusions/Significance</i></b> : These elements suggest that Ir-LBP is a “scavenger” of LTB4, which, in combination with other factors, such as histamine-binding proteins or proteins inhibiting the classical or alternative complement pathways, permits the tick to properly manage its blood meal. Moreover, with regard to its properties, Ir-LBP could possibly be used as a therapeutic tool for illnesses associated with an increased LTB4 production.
Identifiants
Type de publication
journal article
Dossier(s) à télécharger
