The role of the inflammasome during chlamydia infection, 2016

Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacteria with devastating reproductive consequences that lead to tubal factor infertility (TFI). Recent studies have implicated apoptosis associated speck like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) as an adaptor of inflammasomes that stimulate IL 1? and IL 18 secretion, pro inflammatory cytokines with critical functions in host defense against a variety of pathogens. Therefore, for the first time, we are reporting the use of ASC-/- mice in a mouse model of Chlamydia infection that might provide some information on the role of inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of Chlamydia infection. In this study, wild type (WT) and ASC-/- mice were infected with Chlamydia. Infectivity, pathology of the upper genital tract (UGT), and, fertility were evaluated. In addition, expression of ASC dependent inflammasomes and the activation of immune cells within the genital tract (GT) were studied. Results showed that Chlamydia infectivity in ASC-/- mice was significantly higher (p-/- mice which, when compared to infected WT mice, was exhibited by decrease in average number of pups and percent pregnancy. There was also severe UGT damage in ASC-/- mice compared to WT mice, correlating with the higher number of hydrosalpinx observed on the UGT of Chlamydia infected ASC-/- mice. Furthermore, IL 1? and IL 18 production as well as immune cell activation were down regulated in the GT of Chlamydia infected ASC-/- mice. This finding indicates that in absence of ASC, host innate and adaptive immunity is impaired. Results imply that ASC plays a protective role in the mucosal immunity against GT Chlamydia infection. KEY TERMS: Chlamydia, ASC, Adaptor Protein, Inflammasome, Tubal Factor Infertility, Mucosal Immunity, Biology, Diseases, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Microbiolog