Work

Strain-dependent immune responses reveal a critical role of IL-17A in defense against Balamuthia mandrillaris

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Balamuthia mandrillaris is a causative agent of granulomatous amebic encephalitis, a rare but often fatal condition. To investigate the role of T helper (Th) cell subsets in the immune response against B. mandrillaris, we examined 3 mouse strains with distinct immunological profiles: C57BL/6 (Th1-dominant), BALB/c (Th2-dominant), and ICR (balanced Th1/Th2). Mice were infected intranasally with 1×105 amoebae. Body weight and neurologic symtoms were monitored weekly, and cytokine expression was assessed biweekly over 6 weeks. Minimal weight loss and no mortality were observed in C57BL/6 mice, whereas BALB/c and ICR mice exhibited significant early and delayed mortality, respectively. Interleukin-17A expression was notably elevated in C57BL/6 mice compared with the other strains. These findings indicate that a robust Th17 response, particularly interleukin-17A production, is a critical component of the host defense against B. mandrillaris infection.

Source: Parasites Hosts and Diseases

DOI: 10.3347/phd.25066

Authors: Yu Jin Jeong, Dong Gyu Han, Mi Kyung Park, Seo Yeong Choi, Shin Ae Kang, Hak Sun Yu

Institutions: Pusan National University, Catholic Kwandong University, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Legionella and Acanthamoeba research

Subfield: Endocrinology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency