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Aspergillus fumigatus conidia upregulates NOD2 protein expression both in vitro and in vivo
Hui-jun Zhang1, Jie-ming Qu, Chang-zhou Shao
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Aim:
To determine if NOD2 is involved in host recognition of Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) conidia.
Methods:
An Af conidia pulmonary infection murine model was established by intranasal inoculation of Af conidia suspensions. Protein levels of NOD2 in lung tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry. A549 and phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-activated THP-1 cell lines were treated with heat-killed Af conidia, then the presence of NOD2 protein in these cell lines was detected by Western blotting. The ability of muramyl dipeptide (MDP) to induce the secretion of TNF-alpha after incubation with heatkilled Af conidia was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results:
The expression of NOD2 protein in lung tissue increased after Af conidia infection. Heat-killed Af conidia significantly upregulated NOD2 protein expression in A549 cells and PMA-activated THP-1 cells. Additionally, Af conidia in conjuction with MDP, significantly increased the secretion of TNF-alpha in A549 cells and PMA-activated THP-1 cells.
Conclusion:
Af conidia upregulates NOD2 protein expression in vitro and in vivo. These findings indicate that NOD2 protein may respond to Af conidia.
Insights
The NOD2 protein is upregulated by Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) conidia in both lung tissue and cell lines, suggesting NOD2 plays a role in host defense against fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) is a common opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- NOD2 is a pattern recognition receptor involved in innate immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of NOD2 in the host's response to Af conidia.
Main Methods:
- Established a murine model of Af pulmonary infection.
- Assessed NOD2 protein levels in lung tissue and cell lines (A549, THP-1) using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.
- Measured TNF-alpha secretion induced by Af conidia and muramyl dipeptide (MDP) via ELISA.
Main Results:
- NOD2 protein expression increased in lung tissue post-Af infection.
- Heat-killed Af conidia upregulated NOD2 in A549 and THP-1 cells.
- Af conidia combined with MDP significantly enhanced TNF-alpha secretion.
Conclusions:
- Af conidia upregulates NOD2 expression in vitro and in vivo.
- NOD2 protein is implicated in the host response to Af conidia.
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