Altered antibody responses in mannose-binding lectin-A deficient mice do not affect Trichuris muris or Schistosoma mansoni infections

Authors: LAWRENCE, R. A.¹; CARTER, T.¹; BELL, L. V.²; ELSE, K. J.²; SUMMERFIELD, J.¹; BICKLE, Q.³

Source: Parasite Immunology, Volume 31, Number 2, February 2009 , pp. 104-109(6)

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Abstract:

SUMMARY

Parasitic helminths possess surface glycoconjugates that are recognized by the serum collectin molecule, mannose-binding lectin (MBL). Once bound, MBL triggers the lectin pathway of complement. Mice have two MBL, MBL-A and MBL-C. We previously showed that MBL-A deficient (MBL-A^−/-) mice have enhanced survival of Brugia malayi microfilariae and abrogated microfilariae-specific IgM responses. In this study we show that MBL-A deficiency does not alter immunity to either Trichuris muris or Schistosoma mansoni. However, anti-nematode IgM levels were significantly lower in T. muris infected MBL-A^−/- than wild-type mice. Interestingly nematode-specific IgG1 and IgG2a levels were higher in MBL-A^−/- mice. Although, larval schistosomes are surrounded by a complement-sensitive membranous tegument, neither adult worm development, egg output, egg granuloma size nor cellular composition was affected in MBL-A^−/- mice. In contrast to anti-nematode IgM responses, anti-schistosome IgM (and also IgG1 and IgG2b) responses were unaltered from wild-type mice. Anti-schistosome IgG2a was elevated, while IgG3 was significantly lowered, in MBL-A^−/- mice. These results suggest that MBL-A is not a necessary component for immunity to either T. muris or S. mansoni helminths, however, MBL-A appears to be necessary for the development of specific IgM responses to nematode antigens.

Keywords: Antibody; complement; glycans; isotype; mannose binding lectin; nematode; Schistosoma; Trichuris

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3024.2008.01071.x

Affiliations: 1: Royal Veterinary College, London, UK 2: Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK 3: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

Publication date: 2009-02-01

Altered antibody responses in mannose-binding lectin-A deficient mice do not affect Trichuris muris or Schistosoma mansoni infections

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