Investigating the immune response of male and female TLR-7 Knockout and Wild-type against inhaled Aspergillus fumigatus 2335288

Abstract

Abstract Introduction A. fumigatus is a common opportunistic airborne fungus that poses significant health risks, especially for those with pre-existing allergic respiratory illnesses and those that are immunocompromised. Toll Like Receptor (TLR)-7 is important for the activation of the innate immune response; however, there is little knowledge against A. fumigatus regarding this receptor. Wild-type or TLR-7 deficient male and female mice and were exposed to airborne A. fumigatus spores. Bronchoalveolar lavage cells were collected; collagen and mucus were assessed using histological staining. Data was collected from naïve mice and mice at day 1 and day 14 post-exposure. Mucus and collagen levels had increased by day 1 post exposure and did not return to baseline till day 14 post exposure. TLR-7 knockout mice had higher levels of Macrophages, Neutrophils, and Eosinophils. Females had higher level of immune cells and IgE antibody levels overall. The results of this study will inform fungal disease modeling in mice and can help design better therapeutics and diagnostics for future reference. Methods Wild-type or TLR-7 deficient male and female mice and were exposed to airborne A. fumigatus spores. Bronchoalveolar lavage cells were collected; collagen and mucus were assessed using histological staining. Data was collected from naïve mice and mice at day 1 and day 14 post-exposure. Results Mucus and collagen levels had increased by day 1 post exposure and did not return to baseline till day 14 post exposure. TLR-7 knockout mice had higher levels of Macrophages, Neutrophils, and Eosinophils. Females had higher level of immune cells and IgE antibody levels overall. Conclusion The results of this study will inform fungal disease modeling in mice and can help design better therapeutics and diagnostics for future reference. Funding Source Undergraduate Student Research program, the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee, the College of Science, Health, and the Environment, and the Judith Strong Foundation at Minnesota State University Moorhead Topic Categories Immune Response Regulation: Cellular Mechanisms (IRC)