Effect of hepatocyte growth factor signaling pathway activation on Plasmodium berghei infection

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of hepatocyte growth factor signaling pathway activation on Plasmodium berghei infection.MethodsIn this study, hepatocyte growth factor was detected by ELISA and Western blotting assay. Hepatocyte injury was detected by FITC-dextran absorption assay, and hepatocyte growth factor expression was shown to be expressed in the same injury cells by immunofluorescence against hepatocyte growth factor. In addition, Activation of hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor signaling pathway was detected with immunoprecipitation and detection of phosphorylation status.ResultsIt was found that injury of hepatocytes by sporozoite migration induced the secretion of hepatocyte growth factor and it was hepatocyte growth factor that rendered hepatocytes susceptible to Plasmodium sporozoite infection. In addition, hepatocyte infections depended on activation of the hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor signaling pathway.ConclusionsOur results indicate that hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor may possibly be potential targets for new approaches to malaria treatment.