Inhibition of the Membrane Attack Complex by Dengue Virus NS1 through Interaction with Vitronectin and Terminal Complement Proteins.

Unlabelled: Dengue virus (DENV) infects millions of people worldwide and is a major public health problem. DENV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is a conserved glycoprotein that associates with membranes and is also secreted into the plasma in DENV-infected patients. The present study describes a novel mechanism by which NS1 inhibits the terminal complement pathway.

Effects of miltefosine on the proliferation, ultrastructure, and phospholipid composition of Angomonas deanei, a trypanosomatid protozoan that harbors a symbiotic bacterium.

Some trypanosomatids, such as Angomonas deanei formerly named as Crithidia deanei, present an obligatory intracellular bacterium, which maintains a mutualistic relationship with the host. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the major phospholipid in eukaryotes and an essential component of cell membranes playing structural, biochemical, and physiological roles. However, in prokaryotes, PC is present only in those species closely associated with eukaryotes, either in symbiotic or pathogenic interactions.

Proteomic analysis of the ventral disc of Giardia lamblia.

Background: Giardia lamblia is a multiflagellated protozoan that inhabits the small intestine of vertebrates, causing giardiasis. To colonize the small intestine, the trophozoites form of the parasite remains attached to intestinal epithelial cells by means of cytoskeletal elements that form a structure known as the ventral disc. Previous studies have shown that the ventral disc is made of tubulin and giardins.

Characterization of a porin channel in the endosymbiont of the trypanosomatid protozoan Crithidia deanei.

Crithidia deanei is a trypanosomatid protozoan that harbours a symbiotic bacterium. The partners maintain a mutualistic relationship, thus constituting an excellent model for studying metabolic exchanges between the host and the symbiont, the origin of organelles and cellular evolution. According to molecular analysis, symbionts of different trypanosomatid species share high identity and descend from a common ancestor, a β-proteobacterium of the genus Bordetella.