Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026
Th17 Inflammation Model of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: February 18, 2015
Cytokines profile in immunocompetent mice during Trichosporon asahii infection
Alexandra M Montoya1, Gloria M González1, Azalia M Martinez-Castilla2
1Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León.
Abstract:
Trichosporon asahii is an opportunistic yeastlike fungus commonly associated with systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. Neutropenia is recognized as the main risk factor in infections by T. asahii; however, little is known about the cytokine response during trichosporonosis. Here, we evaluated systemic and local cytokine production and histological damage in immunocompetent mice during systemic infection with T. asahii. We found a significant increased presence of G-CSF, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 in sera samples. High levels of G-CSF were found in organs (kidney, liver and spleen); meanwhile IL-10, IL-17A, IL-2, IL-4 and TNF-α were found in low levels. Neutrophils and fungal structures were found in early stage in analyzed organs. Our results demonstrated that T. asahii induces a systemic inflammatory response and G-CSF environment in infected organs in immunocompetent mice and neutrophil recruitment in analyzed tissue suggests the importance of these cells for fungal control.
Insights
Trichosporon asahii infection triggers a systemic inflammatory response and elevated G-CSF in immunocompetent mice. Neutrophil recruitment suggests their critical role in controlling this fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Trichosporon asahii causes opportunistic infections, primarily in immunocompromised individuals.
- Neutropenia is a key risk factor for T. asahii infections.
- The cytokine response during trichosporonosis remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate systemic and local cytokine production during T. asahii infection.
- To assess histological damage in immunocompetent mice following systemic T. asahii infection.
- To elucidate the role of neutrophils in controlling T. asahii.
Main Methods:
- Systemic infection model using T. asahii in immunocompetent mice.
- Measurement of cytokine levels (G-CSF, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-2, IL-4) in serum and organs.
- Histological examination of infected organs (kidney, liver, spleen) for inflammatory infiltrates and fungal presence.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in serum G-CSF, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 were observed.
- High G-CSF levels were detected in infected organs (kidney, liver, spleen).
- Neutrophils and fungal elements were identified in early stages within analyzed tissues.
Conclusions:
- T. asahii induces a robust systemic inflammatory response in immunocompetent hosts.
- An elevated G-CSF environment is established in infected organs.
- Neutrophil recruitment to infected tissues highlights their importance in fungal clearance.
