Eimeria tenella: Role of carbohydrates on sporozoite at the penetration into cultured cells

The effects of carbohydrates on the penetration of Eimeria tenella sporozoites into cultured cells were investigated. Eight different carbohydrates that have been known to be on the surfaces of animal cells were added to culture medium during the penetration period. D-Galactose alone inhibited sporozoite penetration into primary chicken kidney cells. When kidney cells were pretreated with D-galactose and infected with E. tenella sporozoites, the penetration was suppressed significantly, but not when the sporozoites were pretreated. In addition, the penetration of sporozoites was suppressed when pretreated with peanut lectin that specifically recognizes D-galactose residues at a concentration of 50 mu g/ml. The present results suggested that D-galactose residues on E. tenella sporozoite surfaces and the lectin-like receptors that recognize D-galactose of host cells are important factors for penetration. (C) 1996 Academic Press. Inc.