Abstract
Abstract We have recently reported that Src TKO mice, which demonstrate augmented lung clearance of P. murina (PM) (Infect Immun, May 2009), have enhanced expression of alternative macrophage activation (M2a) markers and the M2a-associated chemokines CCL17 and CCL22 (J Immunol, February 2011). As CCL17 and CCL22 often drive the recruitment of eosinophils, we questioned their role in PM lung defense. PM infection resulted in significantly increased expression of eosinophil peroxidase (Epx) mRNA, which was further enhanced in mice with greater resistance to PM lung infection. We further observed PM-induced mRNA expression of Prg2, but not Ear1 or Ear2, in the lungs. GATA1 deficient mice, which have a selective deficiency in eosinophils, demonstrated impaired PM lung clearance. In turn, Epx and Prg2 mRNA expression was significantly lower in GATA1 deficient mice. Finally, bone marrow-derived eosinophils exhibited the capacity to kill PM in vitro. Collectively, our work supports a role for eosinophils in lung host defense against Pneumocystis.
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