Mast cells protect mice from Mycoplasma pneumonia
Xu, X; Zhang, D; Lyubynska, N; Wolters, P; Killeen, N; Baluk, P; McDonald, D; Hawgood, S; Caughey, G
HERO ID
699792
Reference Type
Journal Article
Year
2006
Language
English
PMID
| HERO ID | 699792 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2006 |
| Title | Mast cells protect mice from Mycoplasma pneumonia |
| Authors | Xu, X; Zhang, D; Lyubynska, N; Wolters, P; Killeen, N; Baluk, P; McDonald, D; Hawgood, S; Caughey, G |
| Journal | American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine |
| Volume | 173 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Page Numbers | 219-225 |
| Abstract | As the smallest free-living bacteria and a frequent cause of respiratory infections, mycoplasmas are unique pathogens. Mice infected with Mycoplasma pulmonis can develop localized, life-long airway infection accompanied by persistent inflammation and remodeling.<br /><br /> Because mast cells protect mice from acute septic peritonitis and gram-negative pneumonia, we hypothesized that they defend against mycoplasma infection. This study tests this hypothesis using mast cell-deficient mice.<br /><br /> Responses to airway infection with M. pulmonis were compared in wild-type and mast cell-deficient Kit(W-sh)/Kit(W-sh) mice and sham-infected control mice.<br /><br /> Endpoints include mortality, body and lymph node weight, mycoplasma antibody titer, and lung mycoplasma burden and histopathology at intervals after infection. The results reveal that infected Kit(W-sh)/Kit(W-sh) mice, compared with other groups, lose more weight and are more likely to die. Live mycoplasma burden is greater in Kit(W-sh)/Kit(W-sh) than in wild-type mice at early time points. Four days after infection, the difference is 162-fold. Titers of mycoplasma-specific IgM and IgA appear earlier and rise higher in Kit(W-sh)/Kit(W-sh) mice, but antibody responses to heat-killed mycoplasma are not different compared with wild-type mice. Infected Kit(W-sh)/Kit(W-sh) mice develop larger bronchial lymph nodes and progressive pneumonia and airway occlusion with neutrophil-rich exudates, accompanied by angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. In wild-type mice, pneumonia and exudates are less severe, quicker to resolve, and are not associated with increased angiogenesis.<br /><br /> These findings suggest that mast cells are important for innate immune containment of and recovery from respiratory mycoplasma infection. |
| Doi | 10.1164/rccm.200507-1034OC |
| Pmid | 16210667 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Is Qa | No |