| First Author | Murthy AK | Year | 2004 |
| Journal | Cell Immunol | Volume | 230 |
| Issue | 1 | Pages | 56-64 |
| PubMed ID | 15541719 | Mgi Jnum | J:93852 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:3505840 | Doi | 10.1016/j.cellimm.2004.09.002 |
| Citation | Murthy AK, et al. (2004) Chlamydia trachomatis pulmonary infection induces greater inflammatory pathology in immunoglobulin A deficient mice. Cell Immunol 230(1):56-64 |
| abstractText | Chlamydia trachomatis is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that primarily infects via mucosal surfaces. Using mice with a targeted disruption in IgA gene expression (IgA(-/-) mice), we have studied the contribution of IgA, the principal mucosal antibody isotype, in primary immune defenses against pulmonary C. trachomatis infection. Bacterial burden was comparable between IgA(-/-) and IgA(+/+) animals following C. trachomatis challenge. Serum and pulmonary anti-Chlamydia antibody levels were higher in IgA(-/-) animals, with the exception of IgA. Lung sections of challenged IgA(-/-) mice showed more extensive immunopathology than corresponding IgA(+/+) animals. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated significantly greater IFN-gamma and TGF-beta mRNA expression in IgA(-/-) as compared to IgA(+/+) animals. Together, these results suggest that IgA may not be necessary for clearance of primary C. trachomatis infection. However, IgA(-/-) mice displayed exaggerated lung histopathology and altered cytokine production, indicating an important role for IgA in regulating C. trachomatis induced pulmonary inflammation and maintenance of mucosal homeostasis. |