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Detection of N atural K iller T C ells in M ice I nfected with R ickettsia conorii
Author(s) -
La Manna M. P.,
Torina A.,
Ag A.,
Blanda V.,
Caracappa S.,
Alongi A.,
Marco V.,
Giudice E.,
Dieli F.,
Sireci G.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
transboundary and emerging diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.392
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1865-1682
pISSN - 1865-1674
DOI - 10.1111/tbed.12143
Subject(s) - rickettsia conorii , virology , rickettsia , biology , rickettsiales , rickettsiaceae , microbiology and biotechnology , rickettsiosis , gene , virus , genetics
Summary Little information is available regarding the role of natural killer T ( NKT ) cells during the early stage of R ickettsia conorii infection. Herein, C 3 H / H e N mice were infected with the M alish 7 strain of R . conorii . Splenocytes from these mice were analysed in the early stage of the infection by flow cytometry and compared with uninfected controls. Our results showed an increase in NKT cells in infected mice. Additionally, NKT interleukin ( IL )‐17 + cells increased three days after infection, together with a concurrent decrease in the relative amount of NKT interferon ( IFN )‐γ + cells. We also confirmed a higher amount of NK IFN ‐γ + cells in infected mice. Taken together, our data showed that NKT cells producing Il‐17 increased during the early stage of rickettsial infection. These results suggest a connection between IL ‐17 + NKT cells and vasculitis, which is the main clinical symptom of rickettsiosis.