Changes in cell migration-related molecules expressed by thymic microenvironment during experimental Plasmodium berghei infection: consequences on thymocyte development

摘要: We previously showed alterations in the thymus during experimental infection with Plasmodium berghei. Such comprised histological changes, loss of cortical-medullary limits, and intrathymic presence parasites. As combination chemokines, adhesion molecules extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to appropriate thymocyte development, we analysed thymic expression ECM ligands receptors, as well chemokines their respective receptors P. berghei infection. Increased components was observed thymi from infected mice. In contrast, down-regulated surface fibronectin laminin thymocytes these animals. Moreover, mice there increased CXCL12 CXCR4, a decreased CCL25 CCR9. An altered migration towards elements seen when were analysed. Evaluation ex vivo patterns CD4/CD8-defined subpopulations revealed that double-negative (DN), CD4(+) CD8(+) single-positive (SP) cells berghei-infected have higher migratory responses compared controls. Interestingly, numbers DN SP found spleens Overall, show atrophy accompanied by microenvironmental changes comprise migration-related chemokine protein families, which turn can alter pattern. These disturbances may consequences for control immune response against this protozoan.