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09:50
Detection of Tissue-resident Bacteria in Bladder Biopsies by 16S rRNA Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Published on: October 18, 2019
Antigen-specific responses accelerate bacterial clearance in the bladder
Praveen Thumbikat1, Carl Waltenbaugh, Anthony J Schaeffer
1Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|February 24, 2006
Summary
Adaptive immunity protects against recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Studies show T cells and antibodies generated after an initial infection significantly reduce bacterial colonization upon reinfection, preventing UTIs.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Urology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, causing significant morbidity and economic burden.
- Recurrent UTIs affect 25% of women, suggesting a role for adaptive immunity.
- Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the primary cause of UTIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize adaptive immune responses to UPEC.
- To investigate the protective role of adaptive immunity against UPEC reinfection.
Main Methods:
- A novel murine model of UTI reinfection was established using UPEC with an antigenic marker.
- Bacterial colonization was quantified after primary and secondary infections.
- Immune responses, including antibody titers, T cell activation, and T cell proliferation, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Mice developed anti-UPEC specific IgG and IgM titers and T cell activation after initial infection.
- Reinfection resulted in a 95% reduction in bacterial colonization.
- Adoptive transfer of immune T cells or serum conferred protection against UPEC colonization in naive mice.
Conclusions:
- Adaptive immune responses to UPEC provide protection against reinfection.
- These findings elucidate the mechanisms underlying UTI susceptibility and protection.
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