Trichomonas vaginalis homolog of macrophage migration inhibitory factor induces prostate cell growth, invasiveness, and inflammatory responses
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common nonskin cancer in America and the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Inflammation is implicated in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer; however, sources of inflammation remain unidentified. Trichomonas vaginalis is a prevalent parasite that infects prostate epithelium and is associated with an increase in aggressive prostate cancer. Here, we demonstrate that a secreted T. vaginalis protein homologous to human macrophage migration inhibitory factor elicits antibodies in infected individuals, increases prostate cell proliferation and invasiveness, and induces cellular pathways linked to inflammation. This study demonstrates that a specific parasite-derived protein can mimic its human homolog to increase inflammation and cell proliferation, which, in turn, may result in the promotion and progression of prostate cancer.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- June 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1321884111
- Bibcode:
- 2014PNAS..111.8179T