Role of the chemokine receptor CCR5-dependent host defense system in Neospora caninum infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neospora caninum, a Toxoplasma gondii-like obligate intracellular parasite, causes abortion in cattle and neurological signs in canines. To understand neosporosis better, studies on host cell migration and host immune responses during the early phase of infection are important. Although the C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) plays a crucial role in immune cell migration, the role played by it in protective immunity against N. caninum is poorly understood.

Methods

CCR5(-/-) mice were used to investigate their sensitivity levels to N. caninum infection and their ability to activate immune cells against this parasite.

Results

Increased mortality and neurological impairment were observed in the N. caninum-infected CCR5(-/-) mice. In comparison with wild-type mice,

SUBMITTER: Abe C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4455913 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature