Functional genomics of tick thioester-containing proteins reveal the ancient origin of the complement system

0367199 - BC 2012 RIV CH eng J - Journal Article
Burešová, Veronika - Hajdušek, Ondřej - Franta, Zdeněk - Loosová, Gabriela - Grunclová, Lenka - Levashina, E.A. - Kopáček, Petr
Functional genomics of tick thioester-containing proteins reveal the ancient origin of the complement system.
Journal of Innate Immunity. Roč. 3, č. 6 (2011), s. 623-630. ISSN 1662-811X. E-ISSN 1662-8128
R&D Projects: GA ČR GAP506/10/2136; GA MŠMT(CZ) LC06009
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60220518
Keywords : tick * thioester-containing proteins * complement
Subject RIV: EC - Immunology
Impact factor: 4.209, year: 2011

Parasite survival inside the tick relies on the ability of a pathogen to escape or inhibit tick immune defenses, but the molecular interactions between the tick and its pathogens remain poorly understood. Here we report that tick genomes are unique in that they contain all known classes of the α2-macroglobulin family (α2M-F) proteins: α2-macroglobulin pan-protease inhibitors, C3 complement components, and insect thioester-containing and macroglobulin-related proteins. RNA interference-mediated gene silencing in the hard tick Ixodes ricinus revealed the central role of a C3-like molecule in the phagocytosis of bacteria and specific functions for α2M-F proteins. Assessment of α2M-F functions in a single organism should significantly contribute to the general knowledge on the evolution and function of the complement system. This publication was accomplished in co-operatin with Prof. Jules A. Hoffmann, the Nobel Prize laureate 2011 in Medicine and Physiology (see acknowledgements).
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0201950