Related Experiment Videos
Mucosal and systemic T helper cell function after intragastric colonization of adult mice with Candida albicans
F Bistoni1, E Cenci, A Mencacci
1Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Italy.
Abstract:
In 85% of adult DBA/2 mice inoculated intragastrically with Candida albicans, significant numbers of yeast cells were recovered from the gastrointestinal tract for up to 4 weeks, with the animals eventually clearing infection in the absence of systemic disease despite the occurrence of localized, self-limiting foci of mucosal involvement in their stomachs. Two major findings in colonized mice were defective production of IgA, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-5 by Peyer's patches lymphocytes and increased numbers of interferon-gamma-producing T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens. Relatively low levels of circulating antibodies of T helper type 2 (Th2)-dependent isotypes were also found in colonized mice, which exhibited strong footpad responses and increased resistance to systemic reinfection. Unlike systemic challenge, gastrointestinal colonization of adult immunocompetent DBA/2 mice with C. albicans appears to be an effective stimulus for the systemic development of protective Th1 responses.
Insights
Candida albicans gastrointestinal colonization in mice led to localized stomach issues but no systemic disease. This study reveals a shift towards protective Th1 immune responses, enhancing resistance to reinfection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a common fungus that can cause infections.
- The gastrointestinal tract's role in immune responses to C. albicans is not fully understood.
- DBA/2 mice are a common model for studying immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immune response to gastrointestinal colonization by Candida albicans in adult DBA/2 mice.
- To determine the effects of C. albicans colonization on systemic immunity and protection against reinfection.
Main Methods:
- Intragastric inoculation of DBA/2 mice with Candida albicans.
- Analysis of yeast cell recovery from the gastrointestinal tract.
- Assessment of immune cell populations and cytokine production (IgA, IL-4, IL-5, interferon-gamma) in Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleens.
- Measurement of circulating antibody isotypes and T helper type 2 (Th2)-dependent responses.
- Evaluation of footpad responses and resistance to systemic reinfection.
Main Results:
- 85% of mice showed yeast recovery for up to 4 weeks, with localized, self-limiting stomach mucosal involvement.
- Colonized mice had defective IgA, IL-4, and IL-5 production by Peyer's patches lymphocytes.
- Increased numbers of interferon-gamma-producing T cells were observed in mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens.
- Low levels of Th2-dependent antibodies were found, alongside strong footpad responses and enhanced resistance to systemic reinfection.
Conclusions:
- Gastrointestinal colonization with C. albicans in immunocompetent mice stimulates a systemic protective Th1 immune response.
- This localized infection effectively primes the immune system for enhanced resistance to systemic C. albicans challenge.
- The findings highlight the potential for gastrointestinal C. albicans colonization to induce protective systemic immunity.