O'Neal, K. A. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2026

Early enhanced control of Plasmodium yoelii infection in IL-10-deficient mice is independent of IFN-γ, IL-12, and the humoral response

The outcome of a Plasmodium infection depends on the timely regulation of the robust pro-inflammatory response required to eliminate the parasite, but this response can cause tissue damage if not properly controlled. IL-10 is an important regulatory cytokine that prevents immunopathology during many Plasmodium infections; however, this protection comes at the expense of less effective parasite control. This is illustrated by infection with P. yoelii, in which mice exhibit a lower parasite load in the absence of IL-10. However, the immune components that limit parasite burden in the absence of IL-10 remain poorly understood. Abolishing IL-10 led to a predicted increase in TH1 polarization and higher production of IL-12 and IFN-{gamma}. However, the enhanced production of these cytokines did not explain the improved parasite control seen in Il10-/- mice. Loss of IL-10 signaling reduced the accumulation of germinal center B cells and plasmablasts in the spleen, indicating a role for IL-10 in supporting the humoral response. However, although B cells are essential for survival, they do not play a critical role in early parasite control in IL-10-deficient mice. Moreover, Il10-/-mice lacking IFN-{gamma} and B cells can limit early parasite expansion, suggesting that IL-10 suppresses host-protective pathways beyond the functions of B cells and IFN-{gamma} in parasite control.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2021

ICOS expression is required for maintenance but not the formation of germinal centers in the spleen in response to P. yoelii infection.

Inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) plays a key role in the differentiation and maintenance of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and thus germinal center (GC) formation. Previously, our lab showed in a Plasmodium chabaudi infection model that Icos-/- mice did not form GCs despite a persistent infection and thus a continued antigen (Ag) load. Here, we show that resolution of a primary infection with P. yoelii, was delayed in Icos-/- mice. This phenotype was associated with a reduction in the accumulation of Tfh-like and GC Tfh cells and an early deficiency in Ag-specific antibody (Ab) production. However, Icos-/- mice maintained their ability to form GCs, though they were less frequent in number than in wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, while Ab production in Icos-/- mice matched that of WT mice after the infection cleared, the Abs lacked signs of affinity maturation, suggesting functional defects associated with these GCs. Eventually, these GC structures dissipated more rapidly in Icos-/- mice than in WT mice. Moreover, the ability of Icos-/- mice to form these GC structures is not reliant on the high Ag load associated with P. yoelii infections, as GC formation was preserved in Icos-/- mice treated with early with atovaquone. Finally, mice were unable to form secondary GCs in the absence of ICOS after re-challenge. Overall, these data demonstrate the necessity of ICOS in the maintenance of Tfh cells, the formation and maintenance of sufficient numbers of functioning GCs, and the ability to generate new GC structures after re-infection with P. yoelii.

immunology↗