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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Changes in cell migration-related molecules expressed by thymic microenvironment during experimental Plasmodium berghei infection: consequences on thymocyte development

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Author(s):
Gameiro, Jacy [1] ; Nagib, Patricia R. A. [1] ; Andrade, Carolina F. [1] ; Villa-Verde, Dea M. S. [2] ; Silva-Barbosa, Suse D. [3] ; Savino, Wilson [2] ; Costa, Fabio T. M. [4] ; Verinaud, Liana [1]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Dept Anat Cell Biol & Physiol, Inst Biol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Lab Thymus Res, Rio De Janeiro - Brazil
[3] Brazilian Natl Canc Inst, Ctr Bone Marrow Transplantat, Rio De Janeiro - Brazil
[4] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Dept Genet & Evolut, Inst Biol, Rio De Janeiro - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: IMMUNOLOGY; v. 129, n. 2, p. 248-256, FEB 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 9
Abstract

P>We previously showed alterations in the thymus during experimental infection with Plasmodium berghei. Such alterations comprised histological changes, with loss of cortical-medullary limits, and the intrathymic presence of parasites. As the combination of chemokines, adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to appropriate thymocyte development, we analysed the thymic expression of ECM ligands and receptors, as well as chemokines and their respective receptors during the experimental P. berghei infection. Increased expression of ECM components was observed in thymi from infected mice. In contrast, down-regulated surface expression of fibronectin and laminin receptors was observed in thymocytes from these animals. Moreover, in thymi from infected mice there was increased CXCL12 and CXCR4, and a decreased expression of CCL25 and CCR9. An altered thymocyte migration towards ECM elements and chemokines was seen when the thymi from infected mice were analysed. Evaluation of ex vivo migration patterns of CD4/CD8-defined thymocyte subpopulations revealed that double-negative (DN), and CD4+ and CD8+ single-positive (SP) cells from P. berghei-infected mice have higher migratory responses compared with controls. Interestingly, increased numbers of DN and SP subpopulations were found in the spleens of infected mice. Overall, we show that the thymic atrophy observed in P. berghei-infected mice is accompanied by thymic microenvironmental changes that comprise altered expression of thymocyte migration-related molecules of the ECM and chemokine protein families, which in turn can alter the thymocyte migration pattern. These thymic disturbances may have consequences for the control of the immune response against this protozoan. (AU)