The CD40/CD40 Ligand Interaction Is Required for Resistance to Toxoplasmic Encephalitis

• DOI: 10.1128/iai.68.3.1312-1318.2000
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T10:01:19Z
• Authors: Gaby Reichmann; William Walker; Eric N. Villegas; Linden Craig; Guifang Cai; James Alexander; Christopher A. Hu...
• Keywords: Splenocyte

Since the CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) interaction is involved in regulation of macrophage production interleukin 12 (IL-12) and T-cell gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), effector cell functions associated with resistance to Toxoplasma gondii, role CD40L immunity this parasite was assessed. Infection C57BL/6 mice T. gondii results an upregulation CD40 expression on accessory populations at local sites infection as well lymphoid tissues. Splenocytes from infected for 5 days produced high levels IL-12 IFN-gamma when stimulated toxoplasma lysate antigen, blocking did not significantly alter or by these cells. Similar were observed splenocytes mononuclear cells isolated brains chronically mice. Interestingly, although CD40L(-/-) less than wild-type mice, they comparable but succumbed toxoplasmic encephalitis 4 weeks after infection. The inability control replication brain correlated ability soluble CD40L, combination IFN-gamma, activate macrophages vitro gondii. Together, identify important CD40/CD40L However, may be more rather generation protective responses during toxoplasmosis.