Variation of the CD4, CD8, and MHC II Cell Population in Granulomas of Immunocompetent and Immunosuppressed Rabbits in Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection

In conclusion, we identified CD4-positive cells in both the brain and kidneys of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed animals; CD8-positive cells were more numerous in brain of immunosuppressed rabbits and MHCII cells were more predominant in brain of immunocompetent rabbits. Apparently, the immunosuppression stimulated a change in the cellular phenotype of Th1- to Th2-like granulomas in brain and kidneys by an unknown mechanism. These results increase our understanding of CD4, CD8 and MHCII positive cells within the E. cuniculi granuloma microenvironment and will help in future microsporidian granulomas studies of both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals.
Source: Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research