Exacerbation of Schistosomiasis Japonica in Shroom2-knockout Mice

Abstract

Background Shroom2 is an actin-binding protein known for its involvement in cell motility regulation and actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Schistosome eggs trigger the formation of granulomas, organized immune aggregates surrounding the eggs. However, the specific roles of Shroom2 in granuloma formation and evolution have not been elucidated. Methods Shroom2 knockout (KO) mice were utilized to investigate the impact of Shroom2 on the formation of Schistosomiasis japonicum (S. japonicum) egg granulomas. This study aimed to analyze the effects of Shroom2 deficiency on the host response to S. japonicum infection. Results KO mice exhibited a significantly elevated mortality rate when infected with S. japonicum. Furthermore, extensive lung tissue necrosis was observed following the implantation of S. japonicum eggs. The lungs of Shroom2 knockout mice displayed hyperinflammation after S. japonicum egg implantation, and the percentage of major immune cell populations was reduced. Conclusion Given the aforementioned results, we inferred that Shroom2 deficiency compromises the host’s ability to effectively defend against parasitic infections. This study highlights the crucial role of Shroom2 in immune response regulation during S. japonicum infection and suggests that Shroom2 is a potential key player in granuloma formation and overall host defense mechanisms.