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Updated: May 30, 2026

Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
Published on: June 27, 2020
Cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide differentially regulates T- and B-cell function
Nicholas W Kin1, Yao Chen, Emily K Stefanov
1Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Abstract:
Mammalian antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play an important role in host defense via direct antimicrobial activity as well as immune regulation. The mouse cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide (mCRAMP), produced from the mouse gene Camp, is the only mouse cathelicidin identified and the ortholog of the human gene encoding the peptide LL-37. This study tested the hypothesis that mouse B and T cells produce and respond to mCRAMP. We show that all mature mouse B-cell subsets, including follicular (FO), marginal zone (MZ), B1a, and B1b cells, as well as CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells produce Camp mRNA and mCRAMP protein. Camp(-/-) B cells produced equivalent levels of IgM, IgG3, and IgG2c but less IgG1 and IgE, while Camp(-/-) CD4(+) T cells cultured in Th2-inducing conditions produced more IL-4-expressing cells when compared with WT cells, effects that were reversed upon addition of mCRAMP. In vivo, Camp(-/-) mice immunized with TNP-OVA absorbed in alum produced an enhanced TNP-specific IgG1 response when compared with WT mice. ELISpot analysis revealed increased numbers of TNP-specific IgG1-secreting splenic B cells and FACS analysis revealed increased CD4(+) T-cell IL-4 expression. Our results suggest that mCRAMP differentially regulates B- and T-cell function and implicate mCRAMP in the regulation of adaptive immune responses.
Insights
Mouse antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), like mCRAMP, are crucial for host defense. This study reveals mCRAMP regulates mouse B and T cell functions, impacting adaptive immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mammalian antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are vital for host defense and immune regulation.
- Mouse cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (mCRAMP) is the sole identified mouse cathelicidin and the ortholog of human LL-37.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if mouse B and T cells produce and respond to mCRAMP.
- To elucidate the role of mCRAMP in regulating adaptive immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Camp mRNA and mCRAMP protein expression in various mouse B-cell subsets and T cells.
- Assessment of B-cell immunoglobulin production and T-cell cytokine expression in Camp(-/-) mice.
- In vivo immunization studies in Camp(-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice, followed by ELISpot and FACS analysis.
Main Results:
- All mature mouse B-cell subsets and CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells express Camp mRNA and mCRAMP protein.
- Camp(-/-) B cells showed altered IgG1 and IgE production, while Camp(-/-) CD4(+) T cells exhibited increased IL-4 expression.
- In vivo, Camp(-/-) mice displayed enhanced IgG1 responses and increased IL-4-expressing CD4(+) T cells post-immunization.
Conclusions:
- mCRAMP differentially regulates B- and T-cell functions.
- mCRAMP plays a significant role in modulating adaptive immune responses, particularly in antibody production and T-cell cytokine profiles.
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