The role of β integrin in dendritic cell migration during infection.

BACKGROUND

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in shaping T cell responses. To do this, DCs must be able to migrate to the site of the infection and the lymph nodes to prime T cells and initiate the appropriate immune response. Integrins such as β integrin play a key role in leukocyte adhesion, migration, and cell activation. However, the role of β integrin in DC migration and function in the context of infection-induced inflammation in the gut is not well understood. This study looked at the role of β integrin in DC migration and function during infection with the nematode worm Trichuris muris. Itgb2 mice lacking functional β integrin and WT littermate controls were infected with T. muris and the response to infection and kinetics of the DC response was assessed.

RESULTS

In infection, the lack of functional β integrin significantly reduced DC migration to the site of infection but not the lymph nodes. The lack of functional β integrin did not negatively impact T cell activation in response to T. muris infection.

CONCLUSIONS

This data suggests that β integrins are important in DC recruitment to the infection site potentially impacting the initiation of innate immunity but is dispensible for DC migration to lymph nodes and T cell priming in the context of T. muris infection.