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Published on: October 8, 2012
Deficiency in circulating T cells in four core genotypes mice with Sry translocation
Kaitlin E McKernan1,2, Jacqueline-Yvonne Cephus3, Shelby N Kuehnle3
1Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
The translocation of the Sry gene in 4 core genotype (FCG) male mice blunts immune responses to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and allergen challenges. These FCG males exhibit significantly reduced T cell populations, impairing their immune defense.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Sex differences in immune responses and autoimmune/allergic diseases are influenced by sex hormones and X chromosome inactivation.
- The 4 core genotypes (FCG) mouse model separates the effects of sex hormones from sex chromosomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles of sex hormones and chromosomes in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and allergic airway inflammation using the FCG mouse model.
- To determine how Sry gene translocation impacts immune responses in FCG mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the FCG mouse model with XX and XY chromosomes, where Sry is translocated to chromosome 3.
- Administered RSV infection and allergen challenges to FCG mice.
- Quantified immune cell populations (T cells, B cells, NK cells, myeloid cells) in lungs, spleen, and blood via flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- FCG male mice (XXM and XYM) exhibited significantly blunted immune responses compared to FCG females (XXF and XYF).
- FCG males had markedly decreased CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in lungs, spleen, and blood at baseline and post-stimulus.
- T cell reductions in FCG males were specific, with no observed changes in B cells, NK cells, or myeloid cells.
Conclusions:
- Translocation of the Sry gene to chromosome 3 in FCG male mice leads to dramatically decreased immune responses to RSV infection and allergen challenges.
- FCG male mice do not mount appropriate immune responses to respiratory viral infections, highlighting the impact of Sry gene location on immune function.
