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Human neutrophil-like cells demonstrate antimicrobial responses to the chronic cyst form of Toxoplasma gondii
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  • Emma H. Wilson,
  • Kristina V. Bergersen,
  • Ashley D. Ramirez,
  • Bill Kavvathas,
  • Frances Mercer
Emma H. Wilson
University of California Riverside Division of Biomedical Sciences

Corresponding Author:emmaw@ucr.edu

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Kristina V. Bergersen
University of California Riverside Division of Biomedical Sciences
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Ashley D. Ramirez
California State Polytechnic University Department of Biological Sciences
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Bill Kavvathas
University of California Riverside Division of Biomedical Sciences
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Frances Mercer
California State Polytechnic University Department of Biological Sciences
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Abstract

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide. Infection induces a rapid dissemination of parasites throughout the body followed by the formation of lifelong cysts within neurons of the host brain. Both stages require a dynamic immune response comprised of both innate and adaptive cells. Neutrophils are a primary responding cell to acute infection and have been observed in the brain during murine chronic infection. Previous studies investigating human neutrophils found that invasion by Toxoplasma tachyzoites inhibits apoptosis of neutrophils, prolonging their survival under inflammatory conditions. Here, we demonstrate the differentiation of two distinct subsets following exposure of human neutrophil-like-cells (HNLC) to Toxoplasma cysts. In vitro stimulation and imaging studies show cyst-specific induction of cytokines and cyst clearance by HNLCs. Further testing demonstrates that aged HNLCs perform less phagocytosis of cysts compared to non-aged HNLCs. In conclusion, this study identifies a novel response of HNLCs to Toxoplasma cysts and may indicate a role for neutrophils in the clearance of cysts during human infection with Toxoplasma.
19 Jun 2023Submitted to Parasite Immunology
19 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
19 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
19 Jun 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Jun 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
24 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
23 Aug 20231st Revision Received
25 Aug 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Aug 2023Submission Checks Completed
25 Aug 2023Assigned to Editor
25 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Accept