CCR2 expression determines T1 versus T2 polarization during pulmonary Cryptococcus neoformans infection

TR Traynor, WA Kuziel, GB Toews… - The Journal of …, 2000 - journals.aai.org
TR Traynor, WA Kuziel, GB Toews, GB Huffnagle
The Journal of Immunology, 2000journals.aai.org
Pulmonary clearance of the encapsulated yeast Cryptococcus neoformans requires the
development of T1-type immunity. The objective of this study was to determine the role of
CCR2 in leukocyte recruitment and development of T1-type cell-mediated immunity during
pulmonary C. neoformans infection. Intratracheal inoculation of C. neoformans into CCR2
knockout (CCR2−/−) mice produced a prolonged pulmonary infection (5000-fold CFU at 6
wk compared with CCR2+/+ mice) and significant dissemination to the spleen and brain …
Abstract
Pulmonary clearance of the encapsulated yeast Cryptococcus neoformans requires the development of T1-type immunity. The objective of this study was to determine the role of CCR2 in leukocyte recruitment and development of T1-type cell-mediated immunity during pulmonary C. neoformans infection. Intratracheal inoculation of C. neoformans into CCR2 knockout (CCR2−/−) mice produced a prolonged pulmonary infection (5000-fold CFU at 6 wk compared with CCR2+/+ mice) and significant dissemination to the spleen and brain (160-and 800-fold greater). In addition, CCR2 deficiency resulted in significantly reduced recruitment of macrophages (weeks 1–3) and CD8+ T cells (weeks 1–2) into the lungs. The immune response in CCR2−/− mice was characterized by chronic pulmonary eosinophilia, crystal deposition in the lungs, pulmonary leukocyte production of IL-4 and IL-5 but not IFN-γ, lack of anticryptococcal delayed-type hypersensitivity, and high levels of serum IgE. These results demonstrate that expression of CCR2 is required for the development of a T1-type response to C. neoformans infection and lack of CCR2 results in a switch to a T2-type response. Thus, CCR2 plays a critical role in promoting the development of T1-over T2-type immune responses in the lung following cryptococcus infection.
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