Kinetics of Foxp3-expressing regulatory cells in experimental Toxocara canis infection.
Foxp3-expressing cells have recently been recognized as a cornerstone for the homeostasis of the immune system, and as key cells in many infectious diseases. Moreover, they have been found to contribute to the regulation of parasite-induced immunopathology in many parasitic infections. However, their role in Toxocara-induced immunopathology has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study is to assess the kinetics of Foxp3-expressing regulatory cells during the course of experimental infection by Toxocara canis (T. canis). Foxp3+ cells were identified in the liver by immunohistochemistry, and splenic Foxp3 gene expression was evaluated. We found significantly progressive increase in Foxp3-expressing cell counts in the liver starting from 5 weeks p.i. These cells were detected within and around Toxocara-induced granulomas as well as in isolated inflammatory foci in the portal tracts or within the hepatic parenchyma. Likewise, expression of Foxp3 mRNA in the spleen significantly increased at 5 and 16 weeks p.i. Furthermore, immunization of mice with Toxocara excretory-secretory antigen prior to experimental infection caused earlier mobilization and recruitment of Foxp3+ cells to the liver and enhanced splenic expression of Foxp3 transcripts. These results suggest a potential role of Foxp3-expressing regulatory cells in the evolution of the immunopathological events during infection by T. canis.
Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Ahmad A
AA
Othman
Safinaz H
SH
El-Shourbagy
Rasha H
RH
Soliman
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007700:Kinetics; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D013154:Spleen / Q000378:metabolism; D017166:Toxocara canis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014120:Toxocariasis / Q000378:metabolism*
D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; C498833:Foxp3 protein, mouse; D012333:RNA, Messenger