Intrinsic expression of Nod2 in CD4(+) T lymphocytes is not necessary for the development of cell-mediated immunity and host resistance to Toxoplasma

Eur J Immunol. 2011 Oct 17. doi: 10.1002/eji.201141876. [Epub ahead of print]

Intrinsic expression of Nod2 in CD4(+) T lymphocytes is not necessary for the development of cell-mediated immunity and host resistance to Toxoplasma gondii.

Caetano BC, Biswas A, Lima-Junior DS, Benevides L, Mineo TW, Horta CV, Lee KH, Silva JS, Gazzinelli RT, Zamboni DS, Kobayashi KS.

SourceDepartment of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.

Abstract
Nod2 belongs to the NLR family of proteins and senses bacterial cell wall components to initiate innate immune responses against various pathogens. Recently it has been reported that T cell-intrinsic expression of Nod2 promotes host defense against Toxoplasma gondii infection by inducing type 1 immunity. Here we present results that demonstrate that Nod2 does not play a role in the defense against T. gondii infection. Nod2-deficient mice were fully capable of inducing Th1 immune responses and did not show enhanced susceptibility to infection. Upon T-cell receptor stimulation in vitro, Nod2-deficient CD4(+) T cells showed normal activation, IL-2 production, proliferation and Th1/2 differentiation. Nod2 mRNA and protein were expressed in CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T cells at substantial levels. Therefore Nod2, although expressed in CD4(+) T cells, does not have an intrinsic function in T-cell activation and differentiation.

Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

PMID:22002196[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]