The role of Intelectin-2 in resistance toAscaris suumlung larval burdens in susceptible and resistant mouse strains

Abstract

SUMMARYThe underlying mechanism of predisposition toAscarisinfection is not yet understood but host genetics are thought to play a fundamental role. We investigated the association between the Intelectin-2 gene and resistance in F2mice derived from mouse strains known to be susceptible and resistant to infection.Ascarislarvae were isolated from murine lungs and the number of copies of the Intelectin-2 gene was determined in F2mice. Intelectin-2 gene copy number was not significantly linked to larval burden. In a pilot experiment, the response to infection in parental mice of both sexes was observed in order to address the suitablity of female F2mice. No overall significant sex effect was detected. However, a divergence in resistance/susceptibility status was observed between male and, female hybrid offspring. The responsiveness toAscarisin mice is likely to be controlled by multiple genes and, despite a unique absence from the susceptible C57BL/6j strain, the Intelectin-2 gene does not play a significant role in resistance. The observed intra-strain variation in larval burden requires further investigation but we hypothesize that it stems from social/dominance hierarchies created by the presence of female mice and possibly subsequent hormonal perturbations that modify the intensity of the immune response.

The long and winding road of Ascaris larval migration: the role of mouse models

“…In a genetic experiment that was performed in order to explore the influence of the Intelectin-2 gene (Itln-2 has been found to have an anti-nematode role – Pemberton et al ., 2004 ) on susceptibility to Ascaris in a mouse model (Dold et al ., 2011 ); a pilot experiment utilising male and female mice of both CBA and C57BL/6J strains in a 1:1 ratio indicated that mouse sex did not have a significant influence on larval burden, although male C57BL/6 mice did have arithmetically higher mean worm burdens than female mice of the same strain. However, in a backcross experiment that utilized male and female mice in a 1:3 ratio, male mice of the susceptible strain, C57Bl/6J, manifested much higher larval burdens in their lungs than female mice.…”

“…( 2007 ) and Dold et al . ( 2011 ) may indicate that a single pulse administration of hydrocortisone does not have as great an influence on the mechanism of resistance as a continuous stressor.…”

Lessons from studying roundworm and whipworm in the mouse: common themes and unique features

“…Bindseil, 1969; Dold et al ., 2010; Deslyper et al ., 2016, 2019); immunological responses (Mitchell et al ., 1976; Kennedy et al ., 1987; Gazzinelli-Guimaraes et al ., 2013; Nogueira et al ., 2016) and host–parasite genetics (e.g. Mitchell et al ., 1976; Nejsum et al ., 2008; Dold et al ., 2011; Peng et al ., 2012). Furthermore, Gazzinelli-Guimaraes et al .…”