Th17 T Cell Response to Group A Streptococcus Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Dileepan Thamotharampillai, Jonathan L. Linehan, James J. Moon, Marion Pepper, Marc K. Jenkins, Patrick P. Cleary
Primary Institution: University of Minnesota
Hypothesis
The robust antigen-specific Th17 T cell response to Group A Streptococcus is dependent on IL-6 and the intranasal route of infection.
Conclusion
The study found that the Th17 response to Group A Streptococcus infection is critical for controlling the infection and preventing chronic carrier states.
Supporting Evidence
- Intranasal infection with GAS-2W induced a strong antigen-specific Th17 response in C57BL/6 mice.
- IL-6-deficient mice failed to develop a Th17 response and became chronic carriers of the bacteria.
- The Th17 response was significantly higher in mice infected intranasally compared to other routes of infection.
Takeaway
When mice get infected with a certain bacteria, their immune system makes special cells called Th17 cells to help fight it off, and this works best when the bacteria is introduced through the nose.
Methodology
The study used a recombinant strain of Group A Streptococcus expressing a specific peptide to analyze the CD4+ T cell response in mice after intranasal infection.
Limitations
The study primarily used a mouse model, which may not fully replicate human immune responses.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6 mice were used in the experiments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0473
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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