Innate immune receptors are differentially expressed in mice during experimental Schistosoma mansoni early infection

BACKGROUND

The impact of Schistosoma mansoni infection over the immune response and the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis are not yet completely understood.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the expression of innate immune receptors in three distinct mouse lineages (BALB/c, C57BL/6 and Swiss) during experimental S. mansoni infection with LE strain.

METHODS

The parasite burden, intestinal tissue oogram and presence of hepatic granulomas were evaluated at 7- and 12-weeks post infection (wpi). The mRNA expression for innate Toll-like receptors, Nod-like receptors, their adaptor molecules, and cytokines were determined at 2, 7 and 12 wpi in the hepatic tissue by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

FINDINGS

Swiss mice showed 100% of survival, had lower parasite burden and intestinal eggs, while infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 presented 80% and 90% of survival, respectively, higher parasite burden and intestinal eggs. The three mouse lineages displayed distinct patterns in the expression of innate immune receptors, their adaptor molecules and cytokines, at 2 and 7 wpi.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the pathogenesis of S. mansoni infection is related to a dynamic early activation of innate immunity receptors and cytokines important for the control of developing worms.

Key words:
Schistosomiasis; innate immune receptors; inflammasome; mouse; cytokines