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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Resistance of MBL gene-knockout mice to experimental systemic aspergillosis
Karl V Clemons1, Marife Martinez, Ann-Jay Tong
1California Institute for Medical Research, 2260 Clove Dr, San Jose, CA 95128, United States. clemons@cimr.org
Abstract:
Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a protein of the collectin family that appears important in resistance to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. We assessed the role of MBL in experimental systemic aspergillosis. MBL-sufficient C57BL/6 (WT) mice and B6.129S4--Mb11(tm1Kata) Mb12(tm1Kata)/J MBL A and C gene-knockout (KO) mice were infected intravenously with different inocula of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia. WT and KO mice were dose-responsively susceptible. In no instance were the KO mice more susceptible than WT. At the highest inoculum, all WT and 90% of KO mice died on day 4 (P>0.05). Reduction of the inoculum to 5.5 x 10(6) conidia was lethal, but comparison showed KO mice less susceptible to lethal infection (P<0.015). At the lowest inoculum used, deaths of KO mice were delayed, but survival was not significantly different than WT (P>0.05). These results suggest MBL may play a deleterious role in systemic aspergillosis.
Insights
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) may harm rather than help during systemic aspergillosis. Studies in MBL-deficient mice suggest MBL might play a detrimental role in fighting Aspergillus fumigatus infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key component of the innate immune system.
- MBL is believed to be important in combating invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MBL in experimental systemic aspergillosis.
- To determine if MBL deficiency impacts susceptibility to Aspergillus fumigatus infection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MBL-sufficient (WT) and MBL A and C gene-knockout (KO) mice.
- Infected mice intravenously with varying inocula of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia.
- Monitored survival rates and susceptibility to infection.
Main Results:
- Both WT and KO mice exhibited dose-dependent susceptibility to infection.
- KO mice were not more susceptible than WT mice in any experimental group.
- At a reduced inoculum, KO mice showed significantly less susceptibility to lethal infection compared to WT mice.
Conclusions:
- MBL may play a detrimental role in systemic aspergillosis.
- These findings challenge the presumed protective role of MBL in Aspergillus infections.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex role of MBL in fungal immunity.
