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2-5A synthetase expression in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi
R Marcovistz1, D Decote Ricardo, S C Gonçalves da Costa
1Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Abstract:
This study describes the production and action of interferon in mice infected with Colombian and Y strain T. cruzi. The production of interferon was monitored by an in vitro assay of plasma and extract of spleen, lung and heart for interferon activity. The action of interferon in mice was assessed by measuring an interferon-mediated enzyme activity, 2-5A synthetase. Infected mice (strain Balb/c) were sacrificed at different time intervals, and the level of this enzyme was measured in extracts of spleen, lung and heart. Colombian strain infection induced higher levels of interferon than Y strain under the same conditions; consequently, a greater increase in 2-5A synthetase induction was observed in the former of the two strains. These results suggest that interferon produced by T. cruzi infected mice is active, since a variety of organs respond to its presence by producing elevated levels of 2-5A synthetase.
Insights
Colombian strain T. cruzi infection induces higher interferon levels and greater 2-5A synthetase activity in mice compared to Y strain. This indicates active interferon production and action in infected organs.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Interferon (IFN) plays a crucial role in antiviral and antiparasitic responses.
- Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection, the causative agent of Chagas disease, can modulate the host immune system.
- The specific role of IFN in T. cruzi infection and its strains is not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the production and action of interferon in mice infected with two different strains of T. cruzi: Colombian and Y.
- To compare the levels of interferon production and the activity of an interferon-mediated enzyme, 2-5A synthetase, between the two T. cruzi strains.
Main Methods:
- Mice (Balb/c strain) were infected with Colombian or Y strain T. cruzi.
- Interferon activity was measured in plasma and organ extracts (spleen, lung, heart) using in vitro assays.
- The activity of 2-5A synthetase, an interferon-induced enzyme, was quantified in spleen, lung, and heart extracts at various time points post-infection.
Main Results:
- Colombian strain T. cruzi infection resulted in significantly higher interferon levels compared to the Y strain under identical experimental conditions.
- A corresponding greater induction of 2-5A synthetase activity was observed in mice infected with the Colombian strain.
- Elevated levels of 2-5A synthetase were detected in multiple organs, indicating a systemic response to interferon.
Conclusions:
- Interferon produced during T. cruzi infection in mice is biologically active.
- The Colombian strain of T. cruzi elicits a stronger interferon response than the Y strain.
- The findings suggest that interferon plays a role in the host's response to T. cruzi infection, with strain-dependent variations.