The role of Intelectin-2 in resistance toAscaris suumlung larval burdens in susceptible and resistant mouse strains

Abstract

SUMMARYThe underlying mechanism of predisposition toAscarisinfection is not yet understood but host genetics are thought to play a fundamental role. We investigated the association between the Intelectin-2 gene and resistance in F2mice derived from mouse strains known to be susceptible and resistant to infection.Ascarislarvae were isolated from murine lungs and the number of copies of the Intelectin-2 gene was determined in F2mice. Intelectin-2 gene copy number was not significantly linked to larval burden. In a pilot experiment, the response to infection in parental mice of both sexes was observed in order to address the suitablity of female F2mice. No overall significant sex effect was detected. However, a divergence in resistance/susceptibility status was observed between male and, female hybrid offspring. The responsiveness toAscarisin mice is likely to be controlled by multiple genes and, despite a unique absence from the susceptible C57BL/6j strain, the Intelectin-2 gene does not play a significant role in resistance. The observed intra-strain variation in larval burden requires further investigation but we hypothesize that it stems from social/dominance hierarchies created by the presence of female mice and possibly subsequent hormonal perturbations that modify the intensity of the immune response.