References
Query Results -- Details
MGI Accession ID: MGI:2158628
J Number: J:74569
Other Accession IDs:
Title: Persistent Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection occurs in the absence of functional major histocompatibility complex class II genes.
Authors: Ganta RR; Wilkerson MJ; Cheng C; Rokey AM; Chapes SK
Journal: Infect Immun
Volume: 70
Issue: 1
Date: 2002 Jan
Year: 2002
Pages: 380-8
Review Status: Peer Reviewed
Abstract:
Human monocytic ehrlichiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by the rickettsia Ehrlichia chaffeensis. We investigated the impact of two genes that control macrophage and T-cell function on murine resistance to E. chaffeensis. Congenic pairs of wild-type and toll-like receptor 4 (tlr4)- or major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II)-deficient mice were used for these studies. Wild-type mice cleared the infection within 2 weeks, and the response included macrophage activation and the synthesis of E. chaffeensis-specific Th1-type immunoglobulin G response. The absence of a functional tlr4 gene depressed nitric oxide and interleukin 6 secretion by macrophages and resulted in short-term persistent infections for > or =30 days. In the absence of MHC-II alleles, E. chaffeensis infections persisted throughout the entire 3-month evaluation period. Together, these data suggest that macrophage activation and cell-mediated immunity, orchestrated by CD4(+) T cells, are critical for conferring resistance to E. chaffeensis.
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