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Disparate requirement for T cells in resistance to mucosal and acute systemic candidiasis
J Jones-Carson1, A Vazquez-Torres, T Warner
1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Health Science Center, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Abstract:
Although highly susceptible to orogastric candidiasis, T-cell receptor delta- and alpha-chain knockout mice, deficient in gammadelta and alphabeta T cells, respectively, were found to be resistant to disseminated candidiasis of endogenous origin and to acute systemic candidiasis (resulting from intravenous injection).
Insights
Mice lacking T-cell receptor delta (gammadelta T cells) or alpha (alphabeta T cells) chains resist systemic candidiasis. However, these mice remain susceptible to orogastric candidiasis, indicating distinct T-cell roles in fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- T cells are crucial for adaptive immunity.
- Different T cell subsets, like gammadelta and alphabeta T cells, play distinct roles in host defense.
- Candida species are common fungal pathogens causing superficial and systemic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific roles of gammadelta and alphabeta T cells in Candida infections.
- To determine if T cell deficiencies impact susceptibility to orogastric versus disseminated candidiasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized knockout mouse models deficient in gammadelta T cells (TCR-delta knockout) and alphabeta T cells (TCR-alpha knockout).
- Assessed susceptibility to orogastric candidiasis.
- Evaluated resistance to disseminated candidiasis through endogenous origin and intravenous injection models.
Main Results:
- TCR-delta knockout mice (gammadelta T cell deficient) were susceptible to orogastric candidiasis.
- TCR-alpha knockout mice (alphabeta T cell deficient) were susceptible to orogastric candidiasis.
- Both knockout models exhibited resistance to disseminated candidiasis of endogenous origin and acute systemic candidiasis.
Conclusions:
- Alphabeta and gammadelta T cells are essential for controlling orogastric candidiasis.
- Neither alphabeta nor gammadelta T cells are required for resistance to disseminated candidiasis.
- Distinct T cell subsets mediate protection against different forms of Candida infections.