Chlamydia trachomatis pulmonary infection induces greater inflammatory pathology in immunoglobulin A deficient mice

Ashlesh K. Murthy, Jyotika Sharma, Jacqueline J. Coalson, Guangming Zhong, Bernard P. Arulanandam

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that primarily infects via mucosal surfaces. Using mice with a targeted disruption in IgA gene expression (IgA -/- mice), we have studied the contribution of IgA, the principal mucosal antibody isotype, in primary immune defenses against pulmonary C. trachomatis infection. Bacterial burden was comparable between IgA -/- and IgA +/+ animals following C. trachomatis challenge. Serum and pulmonary anti-Chlamydia antibody levels were higher in IgA -/- animals, with the exception of IgA. Lung sections of challenged IgA -/- mice showed more extensive immunopathology than corresponding IgA +/+ animals. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated significantly greater IFN-γ and TGF-β mRNA expression in IgA -/- as compared to IgA +/+ animals. Together, these results suggest that IgA may not be necessary for clearance of primary C. trachomatis infection. However, IgA -/- mice displayed exaggerated lung histopathology and altered cytokine production, indicating an important role for IgA in regulating C. trachomatis induced pulmonary inflammation and maintenance of mucosal homeostasis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)56-64
Number of pages9
JournalCellular Immunology
Volume230
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2004

Keywords

  • Chlamydia trachomatis
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Inflammation
  • Innate

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology

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