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Stat6 dependent goblet cell hyperplasia during intestinal nematode infection
W I Khan1, P Blennerhasset, C Ma
1Intestinal Disease Research Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Parasite Immunology
|January 3, 2001
Summary
Signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 6 (Stat6) is essential for intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia during nematode infections. Stat6 deficiency impairs parasite expulsion and protective immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Nematode infections trigger intestinal immune responses.
- Goblet cell hyperplasia is a common host response to intestinal parasites.
- The molecular mechanisms regulating goblet cell hyperplasia during infection are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 6 (Stat6) in goblet cell hyperplasia during Trichinella spiralis infection.
- To elucidate the involvement of Stat6 in host immune responses and parasite expulsion.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of goblet cell numbers in Stat6-deficient (Stat6 -/-) and wild-type (Stat6 +/+) mice infected with Trichinella spiralis.
- Assessment of IL-4 and IL-13 production in infected mice.
- Evaluation of parasite expulsion efficiency.
Main Results:
- Stat6 -/- mice exhibited significantly reduced goblet cell numbers compared to wild-type mice post-infection.
- Stat6 deficiency led to impaired production of IL-4 and IL-13.
- Stat6 -/- mice showed severe impairment in expelling Trichinella spiralis parasites.
Conclusions:
- Stat6 plays a critical role in the development of intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia during nematode infection.
- Th2 cytokines likely regulate goblet cell hyperplasia via Stat6 activation.
- Increased goblet cell numbers, mediated by Stat6, are important for host protective immunity against nematode infections.