Spatial transcriptomics reveals focal induction of molecular responses and cellular interactions in the small intestine duringHeligmosomoides polygyrusInfection

• DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579622
• Publication Date: 2024-02-12T18:25:43Z
• Authors: Marta Campillo Po...; Ross F Laidlaw; Olympia Hardy; Thomas D Otto; Rick M Maizels
• Keywords: Heligmosomoides polygyrus

Abstract The infective L3 larvae of Heligmosomoides polygyrus migrate to the small intestine where they take up residence in submucosa, triggering formation complex granulomas around parasite. Here, we employ spatial transcriptomics elucidate transcriptional intricacies and cell-cell interactions murine under both steady-state conditions response H. infection. Our findings unveil distinct signatures crypt zone, villi, granulomas, providing nuanced insights into molecular dynamics host parasitic Molecular characterization reveals unique cellular compositions within clusters, shedding light on localized immune activation dynamics. Utilizing deconvolution techniques, uncovered common infection-specific cell type colocalization, identified potential ligand-receptor pairs that may mediate communication between granuloma tissue epithelial cells. Additionally, our study highlights upregulation genes such as Ccl9, Fcer1g Tmsb4x suggesting roles 2 inflammation, (e.g Reg3b Mxra7 ) associated with wound healing repair. These results not only enhance understanding intestine’s landscape but also provide a platform for exploring host-pathogen interactions. comprehensive analysis presented here contributes holistic comprehension tissue-specific responses during infections, offering valuable targeted therapeutic interventions.