Differential microbial clearance and immunoresponse of Balb/c (Nramp1 susceptible) and DBA2 (Nramp1 resistant) mice intracerebrally infected with Mycobacterium bovis BCG (BCG).
In mice, the gene encoding Nramp1 (natural resistance-associated protein 1) exists in two allelic forms, differing for a point mutation. According to Nramp1 genotype, extensive literature documents a clear-cut distinction of inbred strains in two non-overlapping groups that phenotypically express resistance (Nramp1r) and susceptibility (Nramp1s) to systemic infections. Here, we provide evidence that Nramp1r (DBA/2) and Nramp1s (Balb/c) mice differently handle intracerebral infection with Mycobacterium bovis BCG. Distinct trends of microbial clearance from the brain and also different patterns of local immune responses occur, thus arguing on the involvement of Nramp1 gene product on the accomplishment of cerebral anti-mycobacterial defenses.
Mazzolla
Rosanna
R
Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
Puliti
Manuela
M
Barluzzi
Roberta
R
Neglia
Rachele
R
Bistoni
Francesco
F
Barbolini
Giuseppe
G
Blasi
Elisabetta
E
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D027682:Cation Transport Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D015870:Gene Expression; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008811:Mice, Inbred DBA; D009163:Mycobacterium bovis / Q000276:immunology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D000099173:Natural Resistance-associated Macrophage Protein 1
D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; D016207:Cytokines; D000099173:Natural Resistance-associated Macrophage Protein 1