Microbial challenge promotes the regenerative process of the injured central nervous system of the medicinal leech by inducing the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides in neurons and microglia
Research article published in Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) (2008)
Abstract
Following trauma, the CNS of the medicinal leech, unlike the mammalian CNS, has a strong capacity to regenerate neurites and synaptic connections that restore normal function. In this study, we show that this regenerative process is enhanced by a controlled bacterial infection, suggesting that induction of regeneration of normal CNS function may depend critically upon the coinitiation of an immune response. We explore the interaction between the activation of a neuroimmune response and the process of regeneration by assaying the potential roles of two newly characterized antimicrobial peptides. Our data provide evidence that microbial components differentially induce the transcription, by microglial cells, of both antimicrobial peptide genes, the products of which accumulate rapidly at sites in the CNS undergoing regeneration following axotomy. Using a preparation of leech CNS depleted of microglial cells, we also demonstrate the production of antimicrobial peptides by neurons. Interestingly, in addition to exerting antibacterial properties, both peptides act as promoters of the regenerative process of axotomized leech CNS. These data are the first to report the neuronal synthesis of antimicrobial peptides and their participation in the immune response and the regeneration of the CNS. Thus, the leech CNS appears as an excellent model for studying the implication of immune molecules in neural repair.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Following trauma, the CNS of the medicinal leech, unlike the mammalian CNS, has a strong capacity to regenerate neurites and synaptic connections that restore normal function.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio demuestra que la infección bacteriana controlada potencia la regeneración del sistema nervioso central de la sanguijuela medicinal tras axotomía, y caracteriza dos péptidos antimicrobianos cuya transcripción se induce de forma diferencial en células microgliales, acumulándose los productos peptídicos en los sitios del SNC en regeneración; en preparaciones depletadas de microglía, también se demostró que las neuronas producen estos péptidos. Ambos péptidos ejercen actividad antibacteriana y promueven la regeneración del SNC axotomizado de la sanguijuela. Esto es relevante para el ámbito de la ASH porque concierne a la sanguijuela medicinal y describe moléculas bioactivas con funciones inmunitarias y reparadoras duales en el tejido neural de la sanguijuela. Los hallazgos provienen de un modelo de SNC de invertebrados y no se traducen directamente a la terapia humana; el resumen no aborda el secretoma salival anticoagulante ni las aplicaciones de la hirudoterapia.
Citación
Microbial challenge promotes the regenerative process of the injured central nervous system of the medicinal leech by inducing the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides in neurons and microglia
Schikorski D et al. · Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950), 2008
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026