Toxoplasma gondii induces pyroptosis in human placental trophoblast and amniotic cells by inducing ROS production and activation of cathepsin B and NLRP1/NLRP3/NLRC4/AIM2 inflammasome

Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women may cause fetal anomaly; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether T. gondii induces pyroptosis in human placental cells and the underlying mechanisms. Human placental trophoblast (BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo) and amniotic (WISH) cells were infected with T. gondii, and then ROS production, cathepsin B (CatB) release, inflammasome activation, and pyroptosis induction were evaluated. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms of these effects were investigated by treating the cells with ROS scavengers, a CatB inhibitor, or inflammasome-specific siRNA.

Source: American Journal of Pathology - September 21, 2023 Category: Pathology Authors: Juan-Hua Quan, Fei Fei Gao, Tian-Zhong Ma, Wei Ye, Xiang Gao, Ming-Zhu Deng, Lan-Lan Yin, In-Wook Choi, Jae-Min Yuk, Guang-Ho Cha, Young-Ha Lee, Jia-Qi Chu Tags: Regular Article Source Type: research