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Using a Bacterial Pathogen to Probe for Cellular and Organismic-level Host Responses
Published on: February 22, 2019
Analyzing Macrophage Infection at the Organ Level
Ryan G Hames1, Zydrune Jasiunaite1, Joseph J Wanford1
1Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
Abstract:
Classical in vivo infection models are oftentimes associated with speculation due to the many physiological factors that are unseen or not accounted for when analyzing experimental outputs, especially when solely utilizing the classic approach of tissue-derived colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration. To better understand the steps and natural progression of bacterial infection, the pathophysiology of individual organs with which the bacteria interact in their natural course of infection must be considered. In this case, it is not only important to isolate organs as much as possible from additional physiological processes, but to also consider the dynamics of the bacteria at the cellular level within these organs of interest. Here, we describe in detail two models, ex vivo porcine liver and spleen coperfusion and a murine infection model, and the numerous associated experimental outputs produced by these models that can be taken and used together to investigate the pathogen-host interactions within tissues in depth.
Insights
This study introduces novel ex vivo and in vivo models to investigate bacterial infection dynamics. These methods offer deeper insights into pathogen-host interactions at the cellular level, overcoming limitations of traditional colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Classical in vivo infection models often lack detailed physiological context, leading to speculative results.
- Reliance on colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration alone overlooks crucial unseen physiological factors in infection progression.
- Understanding organ-specific pathophysiology is essential for accurate bacterial infection studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present detailed methodologies for two advanced infection models.
- To enable in-depth investigation of pathogen-host interactions within specific organs.
- To overcome limitations of traditional infection models and CFU enumeration.
Main Methods:
- Development and description of an ex vivo porcine liver and spleen coperfusion model.
- Utilization of a complementary murine infection model.
- Integration of diverse experimental outputs from both models for comprehensive analysis.
Main Results:
- The described models provide a framework for detailed analysis of bacterial infection.
- These models allow for the study of pathogen-host interactions at the cellular level within target organs.
- Experimental outputs can be combined for a more thorough understanding of infection dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The presented ex vivo and in vivo models offer enhanced approaches to studying bacterial infections.
- These models facilitate a deeper understanding of pathogen-host interactions beyond traditional methods.
- The integrated use of these models provides richer data for infection research.
