Complex genetics architecture contributes to Salmonella resistance in AcB60 mice

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Salmonella Typhimurium infection poses a global public health risk, impacting mortality, morbidity, and food security.
• Mouse models are crucial for studying the complex immune responses to Salmonella Typhimurium.
• Recombinant congenic strains (RCS) offer valuable tools for dissecting genetic resistance to pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and validate genetic loci associated with Salmonella Typhimurium resistance in AcB60 mice.
• To investigate potential candidate genes within identified resistance loci.
• To deepen the understanding of the genetic basis of Salmonella resistance.

Main Methods:

• Screening of a panel of recombinant congenic strains (RCS) for Salmonella Typhimurium susceptibility.
• Utilizing interval mapping to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Salmonella resistance.
• Performing global gene expression analysis during infection to identify candidate genes.

Main Results:

• The AcB60 RCS exhibited significant resistance to Salmonella Typhimurium, surpassing parental strains.
• A novel resistance locus, Ity8, was validated on chromosome 15 in AcB60 mice.
• AcB60-specific gene expression related to Ccr7 signaling, including Mapk11, was observed within the Ity8 interval.
• An additional resistance-associated region was identified on chromosome 18.

Conclusions:

• The AcB60 mouse strain harbors key genetic factors conferring resistance to Salmonella Typhimurium.
• The Ity8 locus on chromosome 15 and a region on chromosome 18 are significant contributors to Salmonella resistance.
• Mapk11, within the Ity8 locus, is a potential candidate gene for Salmonella resistance, warranting further investigation.