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Delayed-type hypersensitivity response in mice to Treponema pallidum
Immunological Communications
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Mice infected with Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) did not show a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. However, priming with killed T. pallidum induced a DTH response, which was suppressed by cyclophosphamide treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) is the causative agent of syphilis.
- Understanding the host immune response to T. pallidum is crucial for developing effective treatments and vaccines.
- Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) is a key component of cell-mediated immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo DTH responses to T. pallidum in a murine model.
- To determine the effect of chronic infection versus priming with killed organisms on DTH.
- To assess the impact of cyclophosphamide on T. pallidum-induced DTH.
Main Methods:
- C3H/HeJ mice were used to study DTH responses.
- Mice were primed with either virulent or killed T. pallidum.
- A local footpad challenge with T. pallidum was administered.
- Some mice received cyclophosphamide treatment prior to priming.
Main Results:
- Mice with a chronic T. pallidum infection (5 months) did not develop a DTH response.
- Priming with a single intravenous injection of killed T. pallidum induced a significant DTH response.
- Cyclophosphamide treatment abrogated the DTH response in primed mice.
Conclusions:
- Chronic T. pallidum infection may lead to immune tolerance or anergy.
- Immunization with killed T. pallidum can elicit a DTH response.
- Cyclophosphamide, an immunosuppressant, inhibits T. pallidum-specific DTH responses.