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Exposure to anthrax toxin alters human leucocyte expression of anthrax toxin receptor 1

R J Ingram1, A Harris, S Ascough

  • 1Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Department of Medicine Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London.

Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|April 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Anthrax toxin receptor ANTXR1 (TEM8) expression on human immune cells varies. Lower ANTXR1 expression correlates with higher interferon-gamma responses after infection, suggesting a protective mechanism against reinfection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Anthrax toxin lethal effects depend on protective antigen (PA) binding to cell surface receptors (ANTXR).
  • ANTXR binding influences host susceptibility and anthrax toxin immunomodulation.
  • Limited data exists on ANTXR expression in human leukocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize ANTXR1 (TEM8) expression on human leukocytes.
  • To assess the impact of prior anthrax toxin exposure on ANTXR1 levels.
  • To investigate the relationship between ANTXR1 expression and immune response.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry was used to analyze ANTXR1 expression on human leukocytes.
  • Leukocytes were obtained from individuals with no known exposure, vaccinated individuals, and convalescent patients.
  • Donors were classified as 'low' or 'high' expressers based on monocyte ANTXR1 positivity.

Main Results:

  • ANTXR1 expression levels varied among individuals, allowing classification into 'low' and 'high' expressers.
  • Prior anthrax toxin exposure modulated ANTXR1 expression.
  • Active infection was associated with lower ANTXR1 expression.
  • A significant correlation was found between low ANTXR1 expression and high anthrax toxin-specific interferon-gamma responses in previously infected individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Anthrax toxin exposure, particularly infection, modulates ANTXR1 expression on human leukocytes.
  • Reduced ANTXR1 expression post-infection may represent an evolved protective mechanism against reinfection.
  • Further research into ANTXR1's role in anthrax immunity is warranted.

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