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Published on: December 1, 2017
Outcome of urogenital infection with Chlamydia muridarum in CD14 gene knockout mice
Muhammad T Imtiaz1, Justin H Schripsema, Ira M Sigar
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA. mimtia@midwestern.edu
Background:
CD14 has been postulated to play a role in chlamydial immunity and immunopathology. There is evidence to support this role in human infections but its function in a mouse model has not been investigated.
Methods:
Female CD14 gene knockout and C57BL/6J wild type mice were infected intravaginally with Chlamydia muridarum. The infection course was monitored by detection of viable chlamydiae from serially collected cervical-vaginal swabs. The sequela of tubal factor infertility was assessed using hydrosalpinx formation as a surrogate marker.
Results:
A significantly abbreviated infection course was observed in the CD14 gene knockout mice but hydrosalpinx formation occurred at similar rates between the two groups.
Conclusion:
Involvement of CD14 during chlamydial infection impedes infection resolution but this does not affect the sequela of infertility as assessed by hydrosalpinx formation.
Insights
CD14 gene knockout mice cleared Chlamydia muridarum infection faster. However, CD14 absence did not alter the rate of hydrosalpinx formation, a marker for infertility, in this mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- CD14 is implicated in chlamydial immunity and immunopathology.
- Its role in human infections is supported by evidence.
- Its function in mouse models of chlamydial infection remains uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CD14 in a mouse model of Chlamydia muridarum infection.
- To determine if CD14 influences the course of infection and subsequent infertility.
Main Methods:
- Female CD14 gene knockout and wild type mice were infected intravaginally with Chlamydia muridarum.
- Infection progression was monitored by quantifying viable chlamydiae in swabs.
- Hydrosalpinx formation was used to assess tubal factor infertility.
Main Results:
- CD14 gene knockout mice exhibited a significantly shorter infection duration.
- Hydrosalpinx formation rates were comparable between CD14 knockout and wild type mice.
- CD14 appears to impede infection resolution.
Conclusions:
- CD14 involvement in chlamydial infection hinders resolution.
- Despite accelerated infection clearance, CD14 deficiency does not impact the development of infertility as indicated by hydrosalpinx formation.
- This suggests CD14's role in chlamydial immunopathology may be complex and context-dependent.
