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Inhibition of complement activity in murine leprosy
O Rojas-Espinosa1, A Oltra, P Arce
1Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México, D.F.
Summary
Mycobacterium lepraemurium infection in mice significantly lowers complement levels, particularly affecting the classical pathway. This immune response may be a parasitic strategy to prolong host survival.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycobacterium lepraemurium (MLM) infection in NIH mice causes a notable decrease in hemolytic complement levels.
- This complement depression is directly proportional to the infection's severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of MLM infection on complement pathways.
- To determine the mechanisms behind the observed complement deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Assessing hemolytic complement levels in infected mice.
- Comparing complement activation via classical and alternative pathways.
Main Results:
- MLM infection markedly depresses complement levels in mice.
- The classical pathway (CPW) of complement activation is more affected than the alternative pathway.
- Evidence suggests the presence of complement inhibitory factors in infected animals.
Conclusions:
- The reduction in complement activity, especially CPW, is likely due to inhibitory factors generated during infection.
- These factors may protect against complement-mediated tissue damage.
- This immune modulation by MLM could be a survival strategy for the parasite.