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Natural resistance to Mycoplasma pulmonis infection in mice: host resistance gene(s) map to chromosome 4
W C Lai1, S P Pakes, M Bennett
1Division of Comparative Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9072, USA.
Abstract:
Strains of mice differ greatly in resistance to infection in their lungs with virulent Mycoplasma pulmonis (MP) organisms even during the first 5 days, prior to detection of humoral or T cell mediated acquired immune responses. C57BL/6 mice are resistant, and BALB/c and C3H mice are susceptible, and one major gene, MP, not linked to the H2 major histocompatibility complex, regulates resistance. C57BL/6 x C3H (B x H) and BALB/c x C57BL/6 (C x B) recombinant inbred strain mice were infected intratracheally with the T2 strain of MP. Five days later, the recovery of organisms from tracheolung lavages and lung tissue was determined. The strain distribution pattern of resistance indicated that the MP gene maps to chromosome 4. B6.C-H18 (B6 mice congenic for the BALB/c H18 gene of chromosome 4) were much more susceptible than B6 mice, but were less susceptible than BALB/c mice, supporting the data obtained with the recombinant inbred strain mice, but suggesting that other genes may also influence resistance to infection with MP.
Insights
Mouse resistance to Mycoplasma pulmonis (MP) lung infection is genetically controlled. A major gene, MP, on chromosome 4 significantly influences resistance, though other genes may also play a role.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Host resistance to Mycoplasma pulmonis (MP) lung infection varies significantly among mouse strains.
- Innate immune responses precede adaptive immune responses in early MP infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the genetic basis of resistance to Mycoplasma pulmonis (MP) lung infection in mice.
- To map the gene(s) regulating MP resistance.
Main Methods:
- Infection of recombinant inbred mouse strains (B x H and C x B) with virulent MP.
- Quantification of MP organism recovery from tracheolung lavages and lung tissue 5 days post-infection.
- Analysis of congenic mouse strains (B6.C-H18) to validate gene mapping.
Main Results:
- A major gene, designated MP, regulates resistance to MP infection and is located on chromosome 4.
- Recombinant inbred strain analysis confirmed the chromosomal location of the MP gene.
- Congenic mouse data suggested that additional genes may also contribute to MP resistance.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors, primarily a single gene on chromosome 4, are critical for early resistance to Mycoplasma pulmonis lung infection.
- Further research is warranted to explore the role of other genetic modifiers in MP susceptibility.
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