The role of β2 integrin in dendritic cell migration during infection
Tarfa Altorki, Werner Müller, Andy Brass, Sheena Cruickshank
Abstract
Abstract Background Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in shaping T cell responses. To do this, DCs must be able to migrate to the site of the infection and the lymph nodes to prime T cells and initiate the appropriate immune response. Integrins such as β 2 integrin play a key role in leukocyte adhesion, migration, and cell activation. However, the role of β 2 integrin in DC migration and function in the context of infection-induced inflammation in the gut is not well understood. This study looked at the role of β 2 integrin in DC migration and function during infection with the nematode worm Trichuris muris . Itgb2 tm1Bay mice lacking functional β 2 integrin and WT littermate controls were infected with T. muris and the response to infection and kinetics of the DC response was assessed. Results In infection, the lack of functional β 2 integrin significantly reduced DC migration to the site of infection but not the lymph nodes. The lack of functional β 2 integrin did not negatively impact T cell activation in response to T. muris infection. Conclusions This data suggests that β 2 integrins are important in DC recruitment to the infection site potentially impacting the initiation of innate immunity but is dispensible for DC migration to lymph nodes and T cell priming in the context of T. muris infection.