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Mice lacking NK cells develop an efficient Th1 response and control cutaneous Leishmania major infection
A R Satoskar1, L M Stamm, X Zhang
1Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston MA 02115, USA. asatoska@hsph.harvard.edu
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|June 3, 1999
Summary
Natural killer (NK) cells are not critical for immunity against Leishmania major. Studies show IL-12 can induce a protective Th1 response independent of NK cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) cells are thought to be crucial for immunity against Leishmania major.
- A novel mouse model was developed using neonatal tgepsilon 26 mice, deficient in T and NK cells, to study NK cell roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of NK cells in the development of T helper 1 (Th1) responses.
- To determine the role of NK cells in controlling cutaneous Leishmania major infection.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a mouse model selectively lacking NK cells (NK-T+ mice).
- Analyzing Th1 response markers (IL-12, IFN-gamma) and control of Leishmania major infection.
- Administering neutralizing IL-12 antibodies to NK-T+ mice during infection.
Main Results:
- Mice lacking NK cells (NK-T+) mounted an efficient Th1 response, producing IL-12 and IFN-gamma.
- NK-T+ mice effectively controlled cutaneous Leishmania major infection.
- Neutralizing IL-12 in NK-T+ mice exacerbated the disease, indicating IL-12's importance.
Conclusions:
- NK cells are not essential for developing protective immunity against Leishmania major.
- Interleukin-12 (IL-12) can drive Th1 responses independently of NK cells during Leishmania major infection.