STAT1 Signaling in Astrocytes Is Essential for Control of Infection in the Central Nervous System.

ABSTRACT: The local production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) is important to control Toxoplasma gondii in the brain, but the basis for these protective effects is not fully understood. The studies presented here reveal that the ability of IFN-γ to inhibit parasite replication in astrocytes in vitro is dependent on signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and that mice that specifically lack STAT1 in astrocytes are unable to limit parasite replication in the central nervous system (CNS). This susceptibility is associated with a loss of antimicrobial pathways and increased cyst formation in astrocytes. These results identify a critical role for astrocytes in limiting the replication of an important opportunistic pathogen.

Importance

Astrocytes are the most numerous cell type in

SUBMITTER: Hidano S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5101356 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature