T cell hypo-responsiveness against Leishmania major in MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP) 2 deficient C57BL/6 mice does not alter the healer disease phenotype.

ABSTRACT: We have recently demonstrated that MAP kinase phosphatase 2 (MKP-2) deficient C57BL/6 mice, unlike their wild-type counterparts, are unable to control infection with the protozoan parasite Leishmania mexicana. Increased susceptibility was associated with elevated Arginase-1 levels and reduced iNOS activity in macrophages as well as a diminished T(H)1 response. By contrast, in the present study footpad infection of MKP-2(-/-) mice with L. major resulted in a healing response as measured by lesion size and parasite numbers similar to infected MKP-2(+/+) mice. Analysis of immune responses following infection demonstrated a reduced T(H)1 response in MKP-2(-/-) mice with lower parasite specific serum IgG2b levels, a lower frequency of IFN-γ and TNF-α producing CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and lowe

SUBMITTER: Schroeder J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3578781 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature