Francisella tularensis induces Th1 like MAIT cells conferring protection against systemic and local infection

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24570-2
• Publication Date: 2021-07-16T10:03:33Z
• Authors: Zhe Zhao; Huimeng Wang; Mai Shi; Tianyuan Zhu; Troi Pediongco; Xin Yi Lim; Bronwyn S. Meehan; Adam G. Nelson; David P. Fairlie; Jeffrey Y. W. Mak; Sidonia B. G. Eckle; Marcela de Lima M...; Carolin Tumpach; Michael Bramhall; Cameron G. Williams; Hyun Jae Lee; Ashraful Haque; Maximilien Evrard; Jamie Rossjohn; James McCluskey; Alexandra J. Corbett; Zhenjun Chen
• Keywords: Francisella

Abstract Mucosal-associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are recognized for their antibacterial functions. The protective capacity of MAIT has been demonstrated in murine models local infection, including the lungs. Here we show that during systemic infection mice with Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain results evident cell expansion liver, lungs, kidney and spleen peripheral blood. responding manifest a polarised Th1-like MAIT-1 phenotype, transcription factor cytokine profile, confer critical role controlling bacterial load. Post resolution primary expanded form stable memory-like populations, suggesting basis vaccination. Indeed, vaccination synthetic antigen 5-(2-oxopropylideneamino)-6- d -ribitylaminouracil combination CpG adjuvant similarly boosts cells, enhanced protection against both infections different bacteria. Our study highlights potential utility targeting to combat range pathogens.