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The Citrobacter rodentium Mouse Model: Studying Pathogen and Host Contributions to Infectious Colitis
Published on: February 19, 2013
Non-canonical inflammasome activation analysis in a mouse model of Citrobacter rodentium infection
Hiroyasu Tsutsuki1, Tianli Zhang1, Kinnosuke Yahiro2
1Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.
Abstract:
Infection of mice with Citrobacter rodentium is a useful model for studying the pathogenicity of enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, pathogens that have a close association with humans. Here, we provide a protocol detailing the approaches for non-canonical inflammasome analysis in a mouse model of C. rodentium infection, including preparation of bacteria, oral administration of bacteria to mice, counting colony-forming units to quantify bacterial colonization, and analysis of expression and activation of inflammasome-related factors. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Tsutsuki et al. (2022).
Insights
This study details a protocol for analyzing non-canonical inflammasomes in mice infected with Citrobacter rodentium. This model aids in understanding human pathogens like E. coli.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Citrobacter rodentium infection in mice serves as a model for human enteric pathogens.
- Understanding inflammasome activation is crucial for host defense against bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a detailed protocol for non-canonical inflammasome analysis in a C. rodentium mouse infection model.
- To facilitate research on the pathogenicity mechanisms of E. coli.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of Citrobacter rodentium bacteria.
- Oral administration of bacteria to mice.
- Quantification of bacterial colonization via colony-forming units.
- Analysis of inflammasome-related factor expression and activation.
Main Results:
- The protocol enables comprehensive analysis of non-canonical inflammasome responses.
- Quantification of bacterial load and assessment of immune factor activation are demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- This protocol offers a standardized approach for studying inflammasome-mediated immunity in C. rodentium infections.
- It supports research into host-pathogen interactions and the development of therapeutic strategies.
