Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Measuring Bacterial Load and Immune Responses in Mice Infected with Listeria monocytogenes
Published on: August 9, 2011
Infection with Listeria monocytogenes as a probe for placental immunological function
Ellen M Barber1, Indira Guleria, Jeffrey W Pollard
1Center for Study of Reproductive Biology and Women's Health, Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA.
Abstract:
This chapter will describe the use of infection with Listeria monocytogenes, a Gram-positive intracellular bacterium, to study immunological responses in the placenta. This bacterium is chosen because it has a predilection for replication in the placenta. As such, it is a significant pathogen for pregnant women, being a major cause of fetal mortality and morbidity if appropriate public health precautions are not observed. Furthermore, this bacterium has been a major tool for studying innate immune responses and their transition to an acquired one, characterized by a Th1-type response. Details are given for the culture and maintenance of bacteria stocks, infection of mice, and analysis of the resultant infection. Such studies have revealed a unique pattern of immune responses in the placenta that, through the methods described, should reveal the strategies that the placenta uses to eradicate pathogens while not rejecting allogenic fetuses.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice reveals unique placental immune responses. This research explores how the placenta eradicates pathogens while tolerating the fetus.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive intracellular bacterium that replicates in the placenta.
- It is a significant pathogen causing fetal mortality and morbidity in pregnant women.
- L. monocytogenes is a key model for studying innate and adaptive immune responses, particularly Th1-type responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the use of L. monocytogenes infection in mice to study placental immunological responses.
- To elucidate the strategies employed by the placenta to eliminate pathogens without rejecting allogeneic fetuses.
Main Methods:
- Culture and maintenance of Listeria monocytogenes bacterial stocks.
- Infection of mice with L. monocytogenes.
- Analysis of the resultant placental infection and immune response.
Main Results:
- Studies reveal a unique pattern of immune responses within the placenta during L. monocytogenes infection.
- The placenta demonstrates a capacity to eradicate pathogens while maintaining fetal tolerance.
Conclusions:
- The methods described facilitate the investigation of placental immune strategies against pathogens.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for preventing pregnancy complications associated with infections like listeriosis.
