Impact of Gastrointestinal Bacillus anthracis Infection on Hepatic B Cells.

ABSTRACT: Ingestion of Bacillus anthracis results in rapid gastrointestinal (GI) infection, known as GI anthrax. We previously showed that during GI anthrax, there is swift deterioration of intestinal barrier function leading to translocation of gut-associated bacteria into systemic circulation. Additionally, we described dysfunction in colonic B cells. In concordance with our previous studies, here, we report early migration of the Sterne strain of B. anthracis along with other gut-resident bacteria into the infected murine liver. Additionally, despite a global decrease in the B cell population, we observed an increase in both B-1a and marginal zone (MZ)-like B cells. Both of these cell types are capable of producing immunoglobulins against common pathogens and commensals, which act as a general an

SUBMITTER: Colliou N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4591657 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature