title: Genetically resistant mice lacking MyD88-adapter protein display a high susceptibility to Leishmania major infection associated with a polarized Th2 response.
abstract: Host resistance to the intracellular protozoan Leishmania major is highly dependent on IL-12 production by APCs. Genetically resistant C57BL/6 mice develop IL-12-mediated Th1 immune response dominated by IFN-gamma and exhibit only small cutaneous lesions that resolve spontaneously. In contrast, because of several genetic differences, BALB/c mice develop an IL-4-mediated Th2 immune response and a chronic mutilating disease. Myeloid differentiation marker 88 (MyD88) is an adaptator protein that links the IL-1/Toll-like receptor family to IL-1R-associated protein kinase. Toll-like receptors recognize pathogen associated molecular patterns and are crucially implicated in the induction of IL-12 secretion by APC. The role of MyD88 protein in the development of protective immune response against parasites is largely unknown. Following inoculation of L. major, MyD88(-/-) C57BL/6 mice presented large footpad lesions containing numerous infected cells and frequent mutilations. In response to soluble Leishmania Ag, cells from lesion-draining lymph node showed a typical Th2 profile, similar to infected BALB/c mice. IL-12p40 plasma level collapses in infected MyD88(-/-) mice compared with infected wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Importantly, administration of exogenous IL-12 rescues L. major-infected MyD88(-/-) mice, demonstrating that the susceptibility of these mice is a direct consequence of IL-12 deficiency. In conclusion, MyD88-dependent pathways appear essential for the development of the protective IL-12-mediated Th1 response against the Leishmania major parasite. In absence of MyD88 protein, infected mice develop a nonprotective Th2 response.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Parasitology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Erasme, Belgium.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Muraille
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Trez
authors.forename: Maryse
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brait
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Baetselier
authors.forename: Oberdan
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Leo
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Carlier
mesh_terms: D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D000818:Animals; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018320:Leishmania major / Q000276:immunology*; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D053594:Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; C507780:Myd88 protein, mouse; D053594:Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D018664:Interleukin-12; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma