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Trypanosomiasis-induced Th17-like immune responses in carp
Carla M S Ribeiro1, Maria J S L Pontes, Steve Bird
1Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Plos One
|October 2, 2010
Summary
This study reveals that common carp infected with protozoan parasites mount an interleukin-23 (IL-23) driven immune response, characterized by Th17-like activity and increased neutrophils, a first in fish. This highlights a conserved immune pathway across vertebrates.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Fish immunology
- Comparative immunology
Background:
- Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 are critical cytokines in mammalian immunity, with IL-23 promoting Th17 responses.
- While IL-12 subunits are known in common carp, IL-23 involvement in fish immunity remained uncharacterized.
- Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) influence the IL-12/IL-23 balance in vertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IL-23 and Th17-like responses in common carp during protozoan parasite infections.
- To determine if carp can produce IL-23 and mount a Th17-mediated immune response.
- To compare immune responses induced by Trypanoplasma borreli and Trypanosoma carassii.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis of IL-12/IL-23 subunits (p35, p40a, p19, p40c) in carp.
- HEK293 and carp macrophage transfection studies to assess TLR2 activation by parasite PAMPs.
- Histological examination and immune cell counting (macrophages, neutrophils) in infected carp spleens.
- Measurement of cytokine (IFN-γ2, IL-17A/F2) and chemokine gene expression.
Main Results:
- Trypanoplasma parasites negatively impacted carp p35 and p40a gene expression.
- Trypanosoma carassii PAMPs activated carp TLR2, inducing p19 and p40c gene expression, suggesting IL-23 production.
- T. carassii infection induced IL-17A/F2 expression and a significant increase in splenic neutrophils, indicative of a Th17-like response.
- Both parasites increased IFN-γ2 expression, while T. borreli infection led to a moderate increase in splenic macrophages.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of a Th17-like immune response in fish.
- Protozoan parasite infections can trigger IL-23 production and associated immune pathways in common carp.
- The findings suggest a conserved role for IL-23 and Th17 responses in vertebrate immunity against parasitic infections.
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