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Reduced Th17 type inflammation associated with enhanced Th1, Th2 and Treg responses in a model of reactivation of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis
Author(s) -
SAUER A,
BOURCIER T,
CANDOLFI E,
PFAFF AW
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2013.2655.x
Subject(s) - toxoplasmosis , immunology , toxoplasma gondii , inflammation , immune system , congenital toxoplasmosis , antibody , biology , medicine
Purpose Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is a major cause of blindness in the world. Ocular involvement is frequently seen following congenital infection. Many of these infections are quiescent but pose a life‐time risk of reactivation. We previously developed a Swiss‐Webster outbred mouse model for congenital toxoplasmosis by neonatal injection of Toxoplasma gondii cysts. We also used a mouse model of direct intraocular infection to show a deleterious local Th17 type response upon primary infection. However, little is known about the physiopathology of reactivation. Methods In the present study, we combined our two models to study reinfection into neonatally infected mice, in comparison with a primary ocular infection. Intraocular immunological determinants were studied using both BioPlex proteomic assays in aqueous humor and RT‐PCR for crucial transcription factors. Results We observed diminished Th17 type reaction in reinfection, compared to primary infection. In contrast, Th2 and T regulatory responses were enhanced. Interestingly, this was also true for Th1 responses, which was paralleled by a better parasite control. We observed a similar protective immune reaction pattern in the eye upon reinfection with the virulent RH strain, with the notable exception of IFN‐γ. Conclusion In summary, our results show a less pathogenic but more effective anti‐parasite pattern during reinfection.