Entamoeba histolytica: identification of a distinct β2 integrin-like molecule with a potential role in cellular adherence

Entamoeba histolytica infection causes dysentery, intestinal colitis, and hepatic abscess in an estimated 50 million people worldwide. Attachment of E. histolytica trophozoites to intestinal epithelium and vascular endothelium during liver metastasis results in an inflammatory process. We report the identification of a distinct amebic β2 integrin (CD18)-like molecule which affords adherence to TNF-α-activated endothelial cells. Data from flow cytometry and indirect immunofluorescence assays suggest the amebic β2 integrin was localized to focal adhesion plates and was present in both E. histolytica and Entamoeba dispar. The amebic β2 integrin appeared to be distinct from the amebic Gal/GalNAc lectin based on recombinant expression, amebic colocalization, and ELISA studies. Trophozoite adherence to endothelial cells expressing ICAM-1 (CD54) following activation with TNF-α or ICAM-1-transfected CHO cells was specifically inhibited with anti-CD18 or anti-CD54 MAbs. In summary, evidence in support of a distinct β2 integrin-like molecule participating in amebic adherence to TNF-α-activated endothelial cells expressing ICAM-1 is presented. The presence of integrin-dependent binding may allow trophozoites to opportunistically adhere to activated intestinal epithelium or vascular endothelium expressing ICAM-1 during amebic colitis or hepatic abscess.