Mast cells modulate acute toxoplasmosis in murine models
Bo Huang1, Shiguang Huang, Ying Chen
1Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China ; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Plos One
|October 23, 2013
Summary
Mast cells (MCs) significantly influence Toxoplasma gondii infection outcomes. Activating MCs worsened inflammation and parasite load, while inhibiting MCs reduced lesions and parasite burden, suggesting MCs as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The role of mast cells (MCs) in Toxoplasma gondii infection remains largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding MCs' impact is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies against toxoplasmosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mast cells (MCs) in the pathogenesis of acute Toxoplasma gondii infection.
- To evaluate the effects of mast cell activation and inhibition on parasite burden, inflammation, and host immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Kunming outbred mice were infected with the RH strain of T. gondii.
- Mice were treated with compound 48/80 (MC activator) or disodium cromoglycate (DSCG, MC inhibitor).
- Evaluated inflammation, parasite load, T. gondii tachyzoite surface antigen 1 (SAG1) gene expression, and cytokine mRNA levels (IFN-γ, IL-12p40, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10).
Main Results:
- MC activation (C48/80) significantly increased inflammation, parasite burden, and SAG1 expression, altering Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles.
- MC inhibition (DSCG) significantly decreased tissue lesions, parasite load, and SAG1 expression, modulating immune responses.
- Specific cytokine changes (e.g., increased IFN-γ, IL-12p40; decreased IL-10, IL-4) were observed in response to MC modulation.
Conclusions:
- Mediators released by activated mast cells play a significant role in modulating acute T. gondii infection pathogenesis and parasite clearance.
- Mast cell activation and inhibition represent potential therapeutic targets for controlling T. gondii infections.
