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Published on: June 5, 2012
Monocyte subsets in schistosomiasis patients with periportal fibrosis
Jamille Souza Fernandes1, Maria Ilma Araujo2, Diego Mota Lopes1
1Serviço de Imunologia, Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua João das Botas s/n, Canela, 40110-160 Salvador, BA, Brazil.
Abstract:
A major issue with Schistosoma mansoni infection is the development of periportal fibrosis, which is predominantly caused by the host immune response to egg antigens. Experimental studies have pointed to the participation of monocytes in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the subsets of monocytes in individuals with different degrees of periportal fibrosis secondary to schistosomiasis. Monocytes were classified into classical (CD14(++)CD16(-)), intermediate (CD14(++)CD16(+)), and nonclassical (CD14(+)CD16(++)). The expressions of monocyte markers and cytokines were assessed using flow cytometry. The frequency of classical monocytes was higher than the other subsets. The expression of HLA-DR, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β was higher in monocytes from individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis as compared to other groups. Although no differences were observed in receptors expression (IL-4R and IL-10R) between groups of patients, the expression of IL-12 was lower in monocytes from individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis, suggesting a protective role of this cytokine in the development of fibrosis. Our data support the hypothesis that the three different monocyte populations participate in the immunopathogenesis of periportal fibrosis, since they express high levels of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines and low levels of regulatory markers.
Insights
Monocyte subsets play a role in Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis. Increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in moderate to severe fibrosis suggest monocytes contribute to disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Pathogenesis of Fibrosis
Background:
- Schistosoma mansoni infection causes periportal fibrosis, a liver disease.
- The host immune response to parasite egg antigens drives fibrosis development.
- Monocytes are implicated in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize monocyte subsets in individuals with varying degrees of schistosomiasis-related periportal fibrosis.
- To investigate the expression of monocyte markers and cytokines in relation to fibrosis severity.
Main Methods:
- Monocytes were classified into classical (CD14(++)CD16(-)), intermediate (CD14(++)CD16(+)), and nonclassical (CD14(+)CD16(++)).
- Flow cytometry was used to assess monocyte marker and cytokine expression.
- Analysis compared monocyte profiles across different fibrosis severity groups.
Main Results:
- Classical monocytes were the most frequent subset.
- Monocytes from individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis showed higher expression of HLA-DR, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β.
- Lower expression of IL-12 was observed in monocytes from individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis, suggesting a protective role.
Conclusions:
- All three monocyte populations (classical, intermediate, nonclassical) are involved in the immunopathogenesis of periportal fibrosis.
- Monocytes express pro-inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, contributing to fibrosis.
- Reduced IL-12 expression in severe fibrosis may indicate a loss of protective immune response.
