Korean J Parasitol.  2006 Sep;44(3):197-207. 10.3347/kjp.2006.44.3.197.

Involvement of MAPK activation in chemokine or COX-2 productions by Toxoplasma gondii

• Kim JY
• Ahn MH
• Song HO
• Choi JH
• Ryu JS
• Min DY
• Cho MH

• KMID: 1720518
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2006.44.3.197

Abstract

This experiment focused on MAPK activation in host cell invasion and replication of T. gondii, as well as the expression of CC chemokines, MCP-1 and MIP-1 alpha , and enzyme, COX-2/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in infected cells via western blot, [3H]-uracil incorporation assay, ELISA and RT-PCR. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 in infected HeLa cells was detected at 1 hr and/or 6 hr postinfection (PI). Tachyzoite proliferation was reduced by p38 or JNK MAPK inhibitors. MCP-1 secretion was enhanced in infected peritoneal macrophages at 6 hr PI. MIP-1 alpha mRNA was increased in macrophages at 18 hr PI. MCP-1 and MIP-1 alpha were reduced after treatment with inhibitors of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPKs. COX-2 mRNA gradually increased in infected RAW 264.7 cells and the secretion of COX-2 peaked at 6 hr PI. The inhibitor of JNK suppressed COX-2 expression. PGE2 from infected RAW 264.7 cells was increased and synthesis was suppressed by PD98059, SB203580, and SP600125. In this study, the activation of p38, JNK and/or ERK1/2 MAPKs occurred during the invasion and proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites in HeLa cells. Also, increased secretion and expression of MCP-1, MIP-1 alpha , COX-2 and PGE2 were detected in infected macrophages, and appeared to occur via MAPK signaling pathways.

Keyword

Toxoplasma gondii; mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK); chemokine; cyclooxygenase-2; prostaglandin E2

MeSH Terms

Toxoplasmosis/*enzymology/*immunology
Toxoplasma/*immunology/*metabolism
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/*metabolism
Mice, Inbred BALB C
Mice
Macrophages, Peritoneal/enzymology/immunology/parasitology
Humans
Hela Cells
Enzyme Activation
Cyclooxygenase 2/*biosynthesis
Chemokines/*biosynthesis
Animals