NF-kappaB1 contributes to T cell-mediated control of Toxoplasma gondii in the CNS

J Neuroimmunol. 2010 Feb 13. [Epub ahead of print]

NF-kappaB1 contributes to T cell-mediated control of Toxoplasma gondii in the CNS

Harris TH, Wilson EH, Tait ED, Buckley M, Shapira S, Caamano J, Artis D, Hunter CA.

Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 380 S University Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.

In this study, the role of NF-kappaB1 was examined during toxoplasmosis. While wildtype BALB/c mice generated protective responses, NF-kappaB1(-/-) mice developed Toxoplasmic encephalitis, characterized by increased parasite burden and necrosis in the brain. Susceptibility was primarily associated with a local decrease in the number of CD8(+) T cells and IFN-gamma production, while accessory cell function appeared intact in NF-kappaB1(-/-) mice. Consistent with these findings, T cell transfer studies revealed that NF-kappaB1(-/-) T cells provided SCID mice less protection than wildtype T cells. These results demonstrate an intrinsic role for NF-kappaB1 in T cell-mediated immunity to Toxoplasmagondii. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PMID: 20156658 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]