In vitro system for Taenia solium cysts culture and growth: progress toward a neurocysticercosis model.

Aims: Subarachnoid neurocysticercosis is an aggressive form of Taeniasoliuminfection characterized by uncontrolled expansion of subarachnoid cysts. This study aims to investigate the role of exogenous lipidsand TGF-βin the proliferation of germinative cells and bladder wall expansion, providing insights into the biological mechanisms underlying cyst growth.

Material & methods: Germinative cells and bladder wall sections discarded after surgical resection of subarachnoid cysts in humans were cultured in vitro under axenic conditions. The effects of TGF-βand exogenous lipids, both individually and combined, were assessed through proliferation assays and morphological analysis to determine their role in cyst expansion.

Results: TGF-β-mediatedsignaling was found to be crucial for germinative cell replication, with lipid supply further enhancing bladder wall expansion. Long-term viability of cultured bladder wall sections was successfully maintained, enabling extended analysis of cyst biology.

Conclusions: Thisinvitrosystem provides a powerful platform for characterizing the biology of subarachnoid cysts and for testing new therapeutic agents aimed at improving the treatment of human neurocysticercosis.