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Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation
Published on: June 5, 2012
Innate immune receptors are differentially expressed in mice during experimental Schistosoma mansoni early infection
Janete Cunha Lima1, Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito2, Luanderson Cardoso Pereira1
1Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Natal, RN, Brasil.
Background:
The impact of Schistosoma mansoni infection over the immune response and the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis are not yet completely understood.
Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate the expression of innate immune receptors in three distinct mouse lineages (BALB/c, C57BL/6 and Swiss) during experimental S. mansoni infection with LE strain.
Methods:
The parasite burden, intestinal tissue oogram and presence of hepatic granulomas were evaluated at 7- and 12-weeks post infection (wpi). The mRNA expression for innate Toll-like receptors, Nod-like receptors, their adaptor molecules, and cytokines were determined at 2, 7 and 12 wpi in the hepatic tissue by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
Findings:
Swiss mice showed 100% of survival, had lower parasite burden and intestinal eggs, while infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 presented 80% and 90% of survival, respectively, higher parasite burden and intestinal eggs. The three mouse lineages displayed distinct patterns in the expression of innate immune receptors, their adaptor molecules and cytokines, at 2 and 7 wpi.
Main Conclusions:
Our results suggest that the pathogenesis of S. mansoni infection is related to a dynamic early activation of innate immunity receptors and cytokines important for the control of developing worms.
Insights
Schistosoma mansoni infection impacts mouse survival and parasite burden differently across strains. Early activation of innate immunity receptors and cytokines is crucial for controlling developing worms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The pathogenesis of Schistosoma mansoni infection and its influence on host immune responses remain incompletely understood.
- Investigating innate immune mechanisms is key to understanding disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the expression of innate immune receptors in BALB/c, C57BL/6, and Swiss mice during experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection.
- To elucidate the role of innate immunity in the host's response to S. mansoni.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of three mouse lineages (BALB/c, C57BL/6, Swiss) with the LE strain of S. mansoni.
- Assessment of parasite burden, intestinal oogram, and hepatic granulomas at 7 and 12 weeks post-infection.
- Quantitative PCR analysis of Toll-like receptors, Nod-like receptors, adaptor molecules, and cytokines in hepatic tissue at 2, 7, and 12 weeks post-infection.
Main Results:
- Swiss mice exhibited higher survival rates (100%) with lower parasite burden and intestinal eggs compared to BALB/c (80% survival) and C57BL/6 (90% survival) mice.
- Distinct expression patterns of innate immune receptors, adaptor molecules, and cytokines were observed in the three mouse lineages at 2 and 7 weeks post-infection.
- Early activation of innate immune pathways correlated with parasite control.
Conclusions:
- The pathogenesis of S. mansoni infection is linked to the dynamic early activation of innate immune receptors and cytokines.
- These innate immune components play a significant role in controlling the development of S. mansoni worms.
- Mouse lineage significantly influences the host's innate immune response to S. mansoni infection.
