A haptoglobin-hemoglobin receptor conveys innate immunity to Trypanosoma brucei in humans

B. Vanhollebeke, G. De Muylder, M.J. Nielsen, A. Pays, P. Tebabi, M. Dieu, Martine Raes, S.K. Moestrup, E. Pays

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei is lysed by apolipoprotein L-I, a component of human high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles that are also characterized by the presence of haptoglobin-related protein. We report that this process is mediated by a parasite glycoprotein receptor, which binds the haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex with high affinity for the uptake and incorporation of heme into intracellular hemoproteins. In mice, this receptor was required for optimal parasite growth and the resistance of parasites to the oxidative burst by host macrophages. In humans, the trypanosome receptor also recognized the complex between hemoglobin and haptoglobin-related protein, which explains its ability to capture trypanolytic HDLs. Thus, in humans the presence of haptoglobin-related protein has diverted the function of the trypanosome haptoglobin-hemoglobin receptor to elicit innate host immunity against the parasite.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)677-681
Number of pages5
JournalScience
Volume320
Issue number5876
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 May 2008

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A haptoglobin-hemoglobin receptor conveys innate immunity to Trypanosoma brucei in humans'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this