Microglia of medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) express a specific activation marker homologous to vertebrate ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1/alias aif-1)
Research article published in Developmental neurobiology (2014)
Abstract
The Ionized calcium-Binding Adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), also known as Allograft Inflammatory Factor 1 (AIF-1), is a 17 kDa cytokine-inducible protein, produced by activated macrophages during chronic transplant rejection and inflammatory reactions in Vertebrates. In mammalian central nervous system (CNS), Iba1 is a sensitive marker associated with activated macrophages/microglia and is upregulated following neuronal death or brain lesions. The medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis is able to regenerate its CNS after injury, leading to a complete functional repair. Similar to Vertebrates, leech neuroinflammatory processes are linked to microglia activation and recruitment at the lesion site. We identified a gene, named Hmiba1, coding a 17.8 kDa protein showing high similarity with Vertebrate AIF-1. The present work constitutes the first report on an Iba1 protein in the nervous system of an invertebrate. Immunochemistry and gene expression analyses showed that HmIba1, like its mammalian counterpart, is modulated in leech CNS by mechanical injury or chemical stimuli (ATP). We presently demonstrate that most of leech microglial cells migrating and accumulating at the lesion site specifically expressed the activation marker HmIba1. While the functional role of Iba1, whatever species, is still unclear in reactive microglia, this molecule appeared as a good selective marker of activated cells in leech and presents an interesting tool to investigate the functions of these cells during nerve repair events.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
The Ionized calcium-Binding Adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), also known as Allograft Inflammatory Factor 1 (AIF-1), is a 17 kDa cytokine-inducible protein, produced by activated macrophages during chronic transplant rejection and inflammatory reactions in Vertebrates.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio identificó y caracterizó HmIba1, un homólogo en la sanguijuela de la molécula adaptadora de unión a calcio ionizado 1 (Iba1/AIF-1) de los vertebrados, demostrando que sirve como marcador específico de las células microgliales que migran y se acumulan en los sitios de lesión en el SNC de Hirudo medicinalis tras una lesión mecánica o química. Este trabajo es relevante para el ámbito de la ASH porque avanza la comprensión fundamental de la biología neuroinmunitaria innata y regenerativa de la sanguijuela medicinal—procesos vinculados a la notable capacidad de reparación del SNC de esta especie. Sin embargo, el estudio examina el propio sistema nervioso de la sanguijuela y no investiga las secreciones salivales de la sanguijuela, los compuestos bioactivos terapéuticos ni los resultados clínicos de la hirudoterapia. Los autores señalan que el papel funcional de Iba1 sigue sin estar claro entre las distintas especies, y los hallazgos establecen principalmente una herramienta de investigación para futuras investigaciones en lugar de demostrar una importancia terapéutica o mecanística directa para la terapia con sanguijuelas.
Citación
Microglia of medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) express a specific activation marker homologous to vertebrate ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1/alias aif-1).
Drago F et al. · Developmental neurobiology, 2014
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: March 18, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026