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In vivo and in vitro effect of cyclophosphamide on Borrelia duttoni
Abstract:
Sera taken from mice given cyclophosphamide 75 min previously fails to substantially inhibit borrelial multiplication in vitro. Mice given cyclophosphamide were infected with Borrelia duttoni. Inability to demonstrate specific antibody in these mice did not prevent recovery from infection, resolution of the bacteraemia or appearance of an antigenic variant. Cyclophosphamide may delete suppressor lymphocytes allowing enhanced production of antibodies which may not only protect, but induce antigenic variation. Alternatively, recovery from infection may be unrelated to the immune response.
Insights
Cyclophosphamide treatment did not inhibit Borrelia multiplication in mice. Despite lacking detectable antibodies, mice recovered from infection and showed antigenic variation, suggesting the immune response may not be solely responsible for clearing Borrelia.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cyclophosphamide is an immunosuppressive drug.
- Borrelia duttoni causes relapsing fever.
- The role of the immune response in Borrelia infection is complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of cyclophosphamide on Borrelia duttoni infection in mice.
- To determine the role of specific antibodies in recovery from Borrelia infection.
- To explore the potential for antigenic variation during infection.
Main Methods:
- Mice were treated with cyclophosphamide 75 minutes prior to infection with Borrelia duttoni.
- Borrelial multiplication was assessed in vitro using sera from treated mice.
- Antibody presence, bacterial load, and antigenic variants were monitored in infected mice.
Main Results:
- Sera from cyclophosphamide-treated mice did not significantly inhibit Borrelia multiplication in vitro.
- Mice treated with cyclophosphamide recovered from Borrelia duttoni infection despite undetectable specific antibodies.
- Resolution of bacteremia and the emergence of antigenic variants were observed in these mice.
Conclusions:
- Cyclophosphamide treatment may alter the immune response, potentially enhancing antibody production and inducing antigenic variation.
- Recovery from Borrelia infection may involve mechanisms independent of specific antibody responses.
- The study highlights the complex interplay between immunosuppression, immune response, and pathogen adaptation in Borrelia infections.