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Use of Galleria mellonella as a Model Organism to Study Legionella pneumophila Infection
Published on: November 22, 2013
Mouse models of Legionnaires' disease
Andrew S Brown1, Ian R van Driel, Elizabeth L Hartland
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
Abstract:
Legionella pneumophila is an accidental respiratory pathogen of humans that provokes a robust inflammatory response upon infection. While most people exposed to L. pneumophila will clear the infection, certain groups with underlying susceptibility will develop Legionnaires' disease. Mice, like most humans, are inherently resistant to L. pneumophila and infection of most inbred strains reflects the response of immune competent people to L. pneumophila exposure. Hence, the use of mouse models of L. pneumophila infection has taught us a great deal about the innate and adaptive factors that lead to successful clearance of the pathogen and avoidance of Legionnaires' disease. At the same time, L. pneumophila has provided new insight into innate immunity in general and is now a model pathogen with which to study acute lung inflammation and inflammasome activation. This chapter will explore the history and use of the mouse model of L. pneumophila infection and examine what we know about the innate and adaptive factors that contribute to the control of L. pneumophila in the mouse lung.
Insights
Mice models reveal how the immune system fights Legionella pneumophila, preventing Legionnaires
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Legionella pneumophila is a respiratory pathogen causing Legionnaires' disease in susceptible individuals.
- Most humans and mice are inherently resistant, clearing the infection naturally.
- Mouse models mimic human immune responses to L. pneumophila.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the history and utility of mouse models for studying L. pneumophila infection.
- To examine innate and adaptive immune factors controlling L. pneumophila in the mouse lung.
- To understand L. pneumophila as a model for acute lung inflammation and inflammasome activation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing mouse models to study L. pneumophila infection dynamics.
- Investigating innate and adaptive immune responses in infected mice.
- Analyzing inflammasome activation and acute lung inflammation.
Main Results:
- Mouse models provide insights into immune clearance of L. pneumophila.
- Identified key innate and adaptive factors contributing to resistance.
- Demonstrated the role of L. pneumophila in understanding general innate immunity.
Conclusions:
- Mouse models are crucial for understanding Legionnaires' disease pathogenesis and prevention.
- Innate and adaptive immunity are vital for controlling L. pneumophila infection.
- L. pneumophila serves as a valuable model for studying lung inflammation and immunity.
