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Murine microglia are effective phagocytes for Borrelia burgdorferi
Christopher J Kuhlow1, Juan C Garcia-Monco, James L Coleman
1Center for Infectious Diseases, SUNY at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794-5120, USA.
Abstract:
Lyme disease is a multi-systemic infection that causes diverse neurologic dysfunction collectively known as neuroborreliosis. In the murine model of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi are seldom found in the nervous system indicating that the spirochetes are rapidly cleared from the brain and peripheral nerves. In the present study, we examined the interaction between microglia and B. burgdorferi. Murine microglia are efficient phagocytes and are capable of ingesting and killing spirochetes with or without opsonization.
Insights
Microglia rapidly clear Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria causing Lyme disease, from the nervous system. These immune cells efficiently engulf and destroy the spirochetes, preventing neuroborreliosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, leads to neuroborreliosis with diverse neurological dysfunctions.
- In murine models, spirochetes are rarely detected in the nervous system, suggesting rapid clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between microglia and Borrelia burgdorferi in the context of Lyme disease pathogenesis.
- To understand the role of microglia in the clearance of Borrelia burgdorferi from the central nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a murine model of Lyme disease.
- Examined the phagocytic activity of murine microglia against Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Assessed the ability of microglia to ingest and kill spirochetes, with and without opsonization.
Main Results:
- Murine microglia demonstrated efficient phagocytosis of Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Microglia were capable of ingesting and subsequently killing the spirochetes.
- This phagocytic and bactericidal activity occurred irrespective of opsonization.
Conclusions:
- Microglia play a crucial role in the rapid clearance of Borrelia burgdorferi from the murine nervous system.
- The inherent phagocytic and bactericidal capabilities of microglia contribute to preventing sustained spirochetal presence and subsequent neuroborreliosis.
