Mice Lacking {gamma}{delta} T Cells Exhibit Impaired Clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lung Infection and Excessive Production of Inflammatory Cytokines [Host Response and Inflammation]

In this study, the role of T cells was examined in an acute mouse model of P. aeruginosa lung infection. In the absence of T cells, mice displayed impaired bacterial clearance and decreased survival, outcomes which were associated with delayed neutrophil recruitment and impaired recruitment of other immune cells (macrophages, T cells, natural killer cells, and natural killer T [NKT] cells) into the airways. Despite reduced NKT cell recruitment in the airways of mice lacking T cells, NKT cell-deficient mice exhibited wild-type level control of P. aeruginosa infection. Proinflammatory cytokines were also altered in T cell-deficient mice, with increased production of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor. T cells did not appear to contribute significantly to the production of interleukin-17A or the chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL2. Importantly, host survival could be improved by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor signaling with the soluble receptor construct etanercept in cell-deficient mice. These findings demonstrate that T cells play a protective role in coordinating the host response to P. aeruginosa lung infection, both in contributing to early immune cell recruitment and by limiting inflammation.
Source: Infection and Immunity - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: Host Response and Inflammation Source Type: research