Galectin Hco-gal-m from Haemonchus contortus modulates goat monocytes and T cell function in different patterns

BACKGROUND: Monocytes and T cells are two major subpopulations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune systems. Different members of the galectin family show multiple and distinct regulatory effects on different cell types. Previous studies have demonstrated that the galectin from Haemonchus contortus (Hco-gal-m) performed immunomodulatory effects on goat PBMC, however, which subpopulation of PBMC is the primary target of Hco-gal-m and whether the immune modulations share the same mechanism remain unclear. METHODS: In this study, the developmental expression of Hco-gal-m was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The distribution of Hco-gal-m in adult worm was detected by an immunohistochemical test. The binding activity of the recombinant Hco-gal-m (rHco-gal-m) on goat monocytes and T cells were assessed by flow cytometry. The immunomodulatory effects of Hco-gal-m on cytokine secretion, cell activation and apoptosis were observed by co-incubation of rHco-gal-m with goat monocytes and T cells. RESULTS: Hco-gal-m was expressed in L4 as well as adult worms and predominantly localized at the internal surface of the worm guts. rHco-gal-m could bind to both monocytes and T cells. The engagement of rHco-gal-m decreased the production of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in T cells, however, it significantly increased the secretion of IL-10 in monocytes. After rHco-gal-m exposure, the expression of MHC-II on monocytes and that of CD25 on T cells were restricted. Consequently, T cell proliferations were potently inhibited by rHco-gal-m. In addition, rHco-gal-m induced apoptosis in T cells, but not significantly in monocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that rHco-gal-m modulated goat monocytes and T cell function in different patterns. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1756-3305-7-342) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.