Galectin-3 and Its Role in Fungal Infection Response
Author Information
Author(s): Ruas Luciana Pereira, Bernardes Emerson Soares, Fermino Marise Lopes, de Oliveira Leandro Licursi, Hsu Daniel K., Liu Fu-Tong, Chammas Roger, Roque-Barreira Maria-Cristina
Primary Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo
Hypothesis
Galectin-3 contributes to the host resistance against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection.
Conclusion
Galectin-3 deficiency leads to increased susceptibility to P. brasiliensis infection and a Th2-polarized immune response.
Supporting Evidence
- Galectin-3-deficient mice showed a Th2-polarized immune response.
- Survival rates were significantly lower in galectin-3-deficient mice.
- Inflammatory responses were impaired in the absence of galectin-3.
- Galectin-3 deficiency led to higher levels of IL-4 and GATA-3 expression.
Takeaway
Mice without galectin-3 get sick more easily from a fungus because their immune system doesn't work as well.
Methodology
The study involved infecting galectin-3-deficient and wild-type mice with P. brasiliensis and analyzing their immune responses.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of animal models and the interpretation of immune response data.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, which may not fully replicate natural infection conditions.
Participant Demographics
Male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6 to 8 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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