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Study on the role of interleukin-4 in experimental murine systemic candidiasis
1Department of Dermatology, Xiehe Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022.
Abstract:
In order to investigate the role of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in experimental murine systemic Candidiasis, we created the intact and dexamethasone-induced immunosuppressed murine systemic Candidiasis models. In these models, two-site ELISA and RT-PCR were applied to determine the level of IL-4 protein and mRNA expression in spleens respectively, clone forming units (CFUs) of infected kidneys were determined with the plating dilution method, and mean survival time (MST) of the mice was recorded. The results showed that, when compared with the controls, protein level of IL-4 increased in both intact mice infected with lethal doses of yeast (day 3, P < 0.05; day 7, P < 0.001) and immunosuppressed mice infected with sublethal doses of yeast (day 3, P > 0.05; day 7, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the level of IL-4 was higher on day 7 than on day 3 after infection (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 respectively in two groups). The tendency of IL-4 mRNA expression was similar with that of IL-4 protein. As for fungal loads in kidneys, CFUs were significantly higher on day 7 than on day 3 after infection (P < 0.001 in both groups). Mice in both groups succumbed to infection within several days. It was suggested that IL-4 might play a promoting role in the development of murine systemic Candidiasis.
Insights
Interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels increased during experimental systemic Candidiasis in mice. This suggests IL-4 may promote the development of this fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Systemic Candidiasis is a serious fungal infection.
- The role of Interleukin-4 (IL-4) in systemic Candidiasis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IL-4 in experimental murine systemic Candidiasis.
- To analyze IL-4 protein and mRNA expression in relation to fungal load and survival.
Main Methods:
- Established intact and dexamethasone-immunosuppressed murine models of systemic Candidiasis.
- Quantified IL-4 protein and mRNA using ELISA and RT-PCR.
- Determined fungal burden (CFUs) in kidneys and recorded mean survival time (MST).
Main Results:
- IL-4 protein and mRNA levels increased in both intact and immunosuppressed mice post-infection.
- IL-4 levels were significantly higher at day 7 compared to day 3.
- Fungal burden in kidneys also increased significantly from day 3 to day 7.
- Infection proved lethal in both experimental groups.
Conclusions:
- IL-4 expression is upregulated during murine systemic Candidiasis.
- The findings suggest IL-4 may play a promoting role in the pathogenesis of systemic Candidiasis.
