Characterization and localization of an Mr 225 kDa polypeptide specifically involved in the defence mechanisms of the clam Tapes semidecussatus

Parasitosis by the trophozoite protozoan Perkinsus sp. (Apicomplexa, Perkinsea) induces in the gill filaments of the clam Tapes semidecussatus (Mollusca, Bivalvia) a cellular reaction, which is constituted by infiltrated granulocytes. This cellular reaction has characteristics of those of a holocrine gland, since the parasites are encapsulated by the secretion product of the granulocytes after cell death. An enriched fraction of prezoosporangia and their associated capsule was obtained after culture of the parasitized gills in fluid thioglycollate medium. Specific polypeptides from this fraction were separated by SDS-PAGE and isolated for rabbit immunizations. The serum obtained against an Mr 225 kDa polypeptide, revealed its exclusive localization in the capsule and in the granules of the infiltrated granulocytes, thus indicating that this polypeptide is synthesized by these cells and secreted, in a polarized way, around the trophozoites resulting in their encapsulation. Selective deglycosylation of the polypeptide, by Endo H and alkaline -elimination, did not show an effect on its molecular weight or antibody recognition. Furthermore, the absence of the 225 kDa band in the Western-blots of non-parasitized gills indicated the specific association of this polypeptide with the parasitosis. Finally, this is the first tissue-specific factor described in molluscs in relation to defence mechanisms.