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Published on: September 26, 2013
Dynamics of Th17 associating cytokines in Cryptosporidium parvum-infected mice
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium parvum commonly inhabits the intestinal tract of animals and humans and can cause acute watery diarrhea and weight loss. However, host immune responses to Cryptosporidium infections are not fully understood. IL-17 (also called IL-17A) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine of Th17 cells that plays a role in the host response to Cryptosporidium baileyi infection. The present study examined levels of IL-17-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) and Th17 associating cytokines in C. parvum-infected immune-suppressed BALB/c mice using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Levels of IL-17 protein were determined by ELISA. The results showed that levels of IL-17 mRNA and Th17 cell-related cytokines, namely TGF-β, IL-6, STAT-3, RORγt, IL-22, TNF-α, and IL-23, were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and spleen. IL-17 protein levels in GALT were also significantly increased (P < 0.05) after infection. The present study suggested that Th17 cells play a role in host-C. parvum interaction. These results could inform future studies of the immune response against C. parvum infection in transient immunosuppressed populations.
Insights
The study found that interleukin-17 (IL-17) and related cytokines increase in mice with Cryptosporidium parvum infection, suggesting Th17 cells are involved in the immune response to this parasite.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cryptosporidium parvum is an intestinal parasite causing diarrhea in humans and animals.
- Host immune responses to C. parvum are not fully understood.
- Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in host defense against parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IL-17 and Th17-associated cytokines in the immune response to C. parvum infection.
- To examine IL-17 mRNA and protein levels, as well as related cytokine expression, in infected mice.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were infected with C. parvum and immunosuppressed.
- Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to measure mRNA levels of IL-17 and Th17-related cytokines (TGF-β, IL-6, STAT-3, RORγt, IL-22, TNF-α, IL-23).
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine IL-17 protein levels.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in IL-17 mRNA and Th17-related cytokine mRNA levels were observed in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and spleen of infected mice.
- IL-17 protein levels were also significantly elevated in the GALT.
- These changes were statistically significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Th17 cells and associated cytokines play a significant role in the host's immune response to C. parvum infection.
- These findings contribute to understanding host-parasite interactions and may inform strategies for managing C. parvum infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
