학술논문
Hookworm infection permanently alters the pulmonary environment of its host: Understanding the induction of the alternatively activated macrophage .
Document Type
Theses
Author
Source
Dissertation Abstracts International; Dissertation Abstract International; 70-05B.
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
Summary: In this study we determined the exact nature of bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) and alveolar macrophages throughout the duration, and immediately following a Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) infection. In total, we identify changes in alveolar macrophage numbers, gross phenotype, surface marker expression, transcriptional profiles and define how these cells respond to antigen and interact with T cells. In addition, we utilized a murine signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) knock out model incapable of productive IL-4 or IL-13 signaling to determine the dependence of these changes on Th2 cytokines, and to demonstrate moderate but quantifiable levels of alternative activation in the absence of IL-4 and IL-13 signaling. Furthermore, we define the presence of a robust and maintained Th17 response in the airways in the absence of IL-4 and IL-13 signaling.