CELLULAR EXPRESSION OF THE CYTOLYTIC FACTOR IN EARTHWORMS EISENIA-FOETIDA

Coelomic fluid of earthworms contains a 42 kDa protein designated CCF- 1 (coelomic cytolytic factor 1), which accounts for approximately 40% of cytolytic activity of the entire coelomic fluid. CCF-1 was document ed to be present on cells of the mesenchymal lining of the coelomic ca vity as well as on free coelomocytes. Both cellular and humoral levels of CCF-1 were significantly increased after parenteral injection of e ndotoxin. Moreover, CCF-1 seems to be involved in cell mediated cytoto xicity, because cytotoxic activity is blocked in the presence of anti- CCF-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb). (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.