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Role of murine macrophages and complement in experimental Campylobacter infection
1Institute of Medical Microbiology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. FRG.
Abstract:
The roles of macrophages and the complement system as potential host defence mechanisms in mice against campylobacter infection were studied in vivo, by depleting the murine serum-complement or the phagocytic cells. Macrophage-depletion was performed by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of silica dust, Liquoid or dextran sulphate. During 5 days after infection, such mice showed a significant increase in mortality, compared with controls. In contrast, mice that were previously decomplemented by i.p. injection of Cobra Venom Factor showed no significant increase in mortality. The results with combined macrophage depletion and decomplementation did not differ from those with macrophage depletion alone. These experiments suggest that macrophages seem to be more important than complement in the defence of mice against experimental campylobacter infection.
Insights
Macrophages are crucial for fighting Campylobacter infections in mice, more so than the complement system. Depleting macrophages significantly increased mortality, while complement depletion had no effect.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Campylobacter infection poses a significant threat to host health.
- Macrophages and the complement system are key components of the innate immune system involved in host defense.
- Understanding their specific roles in combating Campylobacter infection is vital for developing effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo roles of macrophages and the complement system in host defense against experimental Campylobacter infection in mice.
- To determine the relative importance of macrophages versus complement in controlling Campylobacter infection.
Main Methods:
- Macrophage depletion was induced using intraperitoneal injections of silica dust, Liquoid, or dextran sulphate.
- Complement depletion was achieved through intraperitoneal injection of Cobra Venom Factor.
- Mice were infected with Campylobacter, and mortality rates were monitored over five days post-infection.
Main Results:
- Mice with depleted macrophages exhibited a significant increase in mortality compared to control groups.
- Mice that were decomplemented showed no significant increase in mortality.
- Combined macrophage depletion and decomplementation did not result in increased mortality compared to macrophage depletion alone.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages play a more critical role than the complement system in the defense of mice against experimental Campylobacter infection.
- These findings highlight the central importance of macrophages in controlling Campylobacter infections and suggest potential therapeutic targets.