The role of proteases in the differentiation of Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Proteases are significant determinants of protozoan pathogenicity and cytolysis of host cells. However, there is now growing evidence of their involvement in cellular differentiation. Acanthamoeba castellanii of the T4 genotype elaborates a number of proteases, which are inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride. Using this and other selective protease inhibitors, in tandem with siRNA primers, specific to the catalytic site of Acanthamoeba serine proteases, we demonstrate that serine protease activity is crucial for the differentiation of A. castellanii. Furthermore, both encystment and excystment of A. castellanii was found to be dependent on serine protease function.