Functional analysis of myeloid cell populations in Toxoplasma encephalitis

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Resident microglia cells and recruited myeloid cells are important modulators of the central nervous system (CNS) damage and inflammation. Recent reports indicate that recruited myeloid cells represent a heterogenus group of cells with functional differences among each other and with respect to microglia. Toxoplasma encephalitis (TE) in immunocompromised patients is associated with severe pathology and leukocyte entry to the CNS. Since the murine model of TE give us an excellent opportunity to study cellular immune reactions and host pathogen interaction in the CNS, we will use this model to analyse the function and behaviour of different myeloid subpopulations. Our focus will be on the Ly6Chi monocytes, which we recently identified as a protective cell population in intestinal toxoplasmosis. In addition we will study the role of the newly described adhesions molecule Ninjurin-1 in the monocyte recruitment to the CNS. Finally, the function of the newly identified monocyte population, which is mobilized from the spleen and homes to inflamed tissue, will be characterized in TE. These experiments will provide important new insights into the role of innate immunity in cerebral infections.