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Murine complement receptor gene expression: Cr2 gene transcripts are depressed during a high dose microbial challenge
S S Tan1, E M O'Toole, C B Kurtz
1Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132.
Immunology
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Murine B cells downregulate Cr2 and Oct-2 gene expression during bacterial infections. This response involves reduced synthesis of transcripts encoding these proteins in response to pathogens like E. coli and L. monocytogenes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The murine Cr2 gene produces two protein products, Cr2-145 and Cr2-190.
- Mature B cells constitutively express transcripts for both Cr2 proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in Cr2 gene expression during B cell activation and bacterial infection.
- To determine the impact of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and anti-mu stimulation on Cr2 and Oct-2 transcript levels.
- To assess in vivo changes in Cr2 and Oct-2 transcript levels following bacterial challenge.
Main Methods:
- Splenic B cell cultures were stimulated with LPS and anti-mu.
- Transcript levels of Cr2, Oct-2, Crry, CD19, and beta-actin were analyzed using quantitative methods.
- Mice were infected intraperitoneally with Escherichia coli or Listeria monocytogenes to evaluate in vivo responses.
Main Results:
- LPS and anti-mu co-stimulation diminished both Cr2 and Oct-2 transcripts.
- LPS stimulation alone reduced only Cr2 transcript levels.
- In vivo bacterial infection led to substantial reductions in Cr2 and Oct-2 transcripts in splenocytes and lymphatic tissues.
- Crry, CD19, and beta-actin transcript levels remained unchanged during infection.
Conclusions:
- Murine B cells downregulate Cr2 and Oct-2 gene expression during bacterial infections.
- This downregulation suggests a coordinated response to major bacterial challenges, potentially impacting B cell function.