Interleukin-12, interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 gene expression in cats infected with Toxoplasma gondii

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Parasitology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite causing toxoplasmosis in cats.
• Understanding feline immune responses to T. gondii is crucial for disease management.
• Cytokine mRNA expression patterns provide insights into the host's immune status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mRNA expression levels of Interleukin-12 (IL-12), Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and Interleukin-4 (IL-4) in cats.
• To compare these immune responses during primary and secondary Toxoplasma gondii infections.
• To analyze cytokine expression in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes.

Main Methods:

• Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used.
• Analysis focused on mRNA levels of IL-12p40, IFN-γ, and IL-4.
• Samples were collected from cats following primary and secondary oral T. gondii infections.

Main Results:

• Interleukin-12p40 and Interferon-gamma mRNA expression was detected after both primary and secondary infections.
• IL-4 mRNA showed no expression in the spleen and minimal expression in mesenteric lymph nodes during primary infection (oocyst shedding).
• Increased IL-4 mRNA expression was observed in cats following secondary T. gondii inoculation.

Conclusions:

• Feline primary T. gondii infection is associated with IL-12 and IFN-γ production.
• IL-4 production is limited during primary infection but increases upon secondary exposure.
• These findings highlight distinct cytokine profiles during different stages of T. gondii infection in cats.