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Updated: May 18, 2026
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Differential strain-related tissue immune response to sublethal systemic Aspergillus fumigatus infection in mice
Ivana Mirkov1, Jasmina Glamoclija, Stanislava Stosic-Grujicic
1Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research 'Sinisa Stankovic', University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
Abstract:
Using a nonlethal systemic Aspergillus fumigatus infection, we have recently shown that similarly efficient elimination of fungus from spleens of prototypic Th1 (C57BL/6) and prototypic Th2 (BALB/c) mice is associated with differential immune responses. In light of these data and given the disseminated character of infection, the aim of the present study is to explore whether there are also strain-dependent differences in antifungal responses in peripheral tissues of infected mice. Although similar efficiency of conidia removal was noted in liver and kidneys of both strains, BALB/c mice seemed more prone to tissue injury. Compared with other nonlymphoid organs, lungs proved immunologically the most responsive in systemic aspergillosis. Lower numbers of neutrophils and macrophages in the lungs of infected BALB/c mice, delayed and lower (compared with C57BL/6 mice) expression of their oxidative activity, along with late IFN-γ and upregulated IL-4 production by lung cells might be responsible for slower elimination of A. fumigatus from the lungs of this mouse strain. The data obtained imply that lungs should be viewed as mandatory organ in evaluation of immune-mediated antifungal potential of drugs in models of systemic/disseminated infection and that strain differences noted in tissue responses should be taken into account in these settings.
Insights
This study reveals strain-dependent differences in mouse immune responses to Aspergillus fumigatus. Lungs show unique responses, impacting fungal clearance and suggesting strain considerations for systemic infection research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Systemic Aspergillus fumigatus infection elicits differential immune responses in prototypic Th1 (C57BL/6) and Th2 (BALB/c) mice.
- Previous studies showed efficient fungal elimination from spleens, but immune responses varied between mouse strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate strain-dependent differences in antifungal immune responses in peripheral tissues during disseminated Aspergillus fumigatus infection.
- To compare fungal clearance, tissue injury, and immune cell activity in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice.
Main Methods:
- Nonlethal systemic Aspergillus fumigatus infection in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice.
- Assessment of fungal conidia removal in spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs.
- Analysis of immune cell populations (neutrophils, macrophages) and their oxidative activity in lung tissues.
- Measurement of cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL-4) in lung cells.
Main Results:
- Similar fungal clearance efficiency was observed in the liver and kidneys of both mouse strains.
- BALB/c mice exhibited greater susceptibility to tissue injury in peripheral organs.
- Lungs demonstrated the most significant immunological responsiveness in systemic aspergillosis.
- BALB/c mice had lower neutrophil and macrophage counts in the lungs, delayed oxidative activity, and altered cytokine profiles (late IFN-γ, upregulated IL-4), leading to slower fungal elimination.
Conclusions:
- Strain differences in immune responses significantly impact the control of Aspergillus fumigatus in peripheral tissues, particularly the lungs.
- The lungs are a critical organ for evaluating immune-mediated antifungal drug efficacy in disseminated infection models.
- Future research and therapeutic strategies for systemic aspergillosis should account for host strain variations in immune responses.
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