Local expression of vaginal Th1 and Th2 cytokines in murine vaginal candidiasis under different immunity conditions

Abstract

To investigate the expression of vaginal Th1 and Th2 cytokines in rats with experimental vaginal candidiasis under different immune conditions, ICR murine vaginal candidiasis model was established and immno-suppressed murine models of vaginal cadidiasis were established in estrogen-treated mice. Non-estrogen-treated mice were used as controls. The mRNA level of Th1 (IL-2)/Th2 (IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β1) cytokines in murine vaginal tissues was determined by RT-PCR. The cykotine in local tissues was increased to different extent under normal immune condition. IL-2 mRNA was increased during early stage of infection, while IL-10 was increased transiently during late stage of infection. TGF-β1 production was found to be increased persistently. At same time, the expression of IL-2 mRNA was suppressed in immno-suppressed group, and the level of IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β1 were higher than the normal immunity group to different degree during infection. The high level of IL-2 mRNA during early stage of infection was associated with clearance of mucosal Candidia albicans (C. albicans), and its expression suppressed leading to decreased clearance of mucosal C. albican in immuno-suppression. The over-expression of IL-4 and IL-10 could significantly enhance the susceptibility to C. albicans infection in mice.

Keywords

Candida albicans / vaginal lavage / murine model / immuno-suppression / Th1/Th2 cytokinese

References

[1] EckertL. O., HawesS. E., StevenC. E., et al.. Vulvovaginal candidiasis clinical manifestations risk factors management algorithm. Obstet Gynecol, 1998, 92(5): 757-765

[2] RomaniL., PuccettiP., BistoniF.. Biological role of Th cell subsets in candidiasis. Chem Immunol, 1996, 63: 115-137

[3] CenciE., MencacciA., SpaccapeloR., et al.. T helper cell type 1 (Th1)-and Th2-like responses are present in mice with gastric candidiasis but protective immunity is associated with Th1 development. J Infect Disease, 1995, 171(5): 1279-1288

[4] MacherA. M.. The pathology of AIDS [Public Health Report], 1988, 103(3): 246-254

[5] CliftR. A.. Candidiasis in the transplant patient. Am J Med, 1984, 77(Suppl4D): 34-38

[6] KleinR. S., HarrisC. A., SmallC. B., et al.. Oral candidiasis in high-risk patients as the initial manifestation of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. N Engl J Med, 1984, 311(6): 354-358

[7] FidelP. L.Jr, WolfN. A., KuKurugaM. A.. T lymphocytes in the murine vaginal mucosa are phenotypically distinct from those in the periphery. Infect Immun, 1996, 64(9): 3793-3799

[8] DekruyffR. H., FangY., UmetsuD. T.. Corticosteroids enhance the capacity of macrophages to induce Th2 cytokine synthesis in CD4+ lymphocytes by inhibiting IL-12 production. J Immunol, 1998, 16(5): 2231-2237

[9] TaylorB. N., SaavedraM., FidelP. L.. Local Th1/Th2 cytokine production during experimental vaginal candidiasis: potential importance of transforming growth factor-β1. Med Mycol, 2000, 38(6): 419-443

[10] WozniakK. L., PalmerG., KutnerR., et al.. Immunotherapeutic approaches to enhance protective immunity against Candida vaginitis. Med Mycol, 2005, 43(7): 589-601

[11] SteeleC., FidelP. L.Jr. Cytokine and chemokine production by human oral and vaginal epithelial cells in response to Candida albicans. Infect Immun, 2002, 70(2): 577-583

[12] FidelP. L.Jr.. Immunity to Candida. Oral Dis, 2002, 8(Suppl2): 69-75

[13] FidelP. L.Jr.. Distinct protective host defenses against oral and vaginal candidiasis. Med Mycol, 2002, 40(4): 359-375