T cells mediate cross-protective immunity between spotted fever group rickettsiae and typhus group rickettsiae.

Abstract

Rickettsioses are severe infections caused by obligately intracellular bacteria that preferentially infect the endothelium lining the vasculature. The causative agents, rickettsiae, have been divided according to biological, genetic, and antigenic parameters into 2 main groups: spotted fever and typhus. They have not been thought to stimulate cross-reactive protective immune responses; however, in this study, we show that, in relevant animal models that mimic human rickettsial infections, there is reciprocal immunological cross-protection between spotted fever group and typhus group rickettsiae. Furthermore, we present evidence that T cells are responsible for this cross-immunity and that cross-stimulation of T cells also occurs in humans.

• Authors: Gustavo Valbuena, Jeffrey M Jordan, David H Walker
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 190 Issue 7 Pg. 1221-7 (Oct 01 2004) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15346331 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Bacterial
• Interferon-gamma

Topics

• Adoptive Transfer
• Animals
• Antigens, Bacterial (immunology)
• Cross Reactions
• Humans
• Interferon-gamma (biosynthesis)
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred C3H
• Rickettsia conorii (immunology)
• Rickettsia typhi (immunology)
• T-Lymphocytes (immunology)