Murine guanylate binding protein 2 (mGBP2) controls Toxoplasma gondii replication

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 Jan 2;110(1):294-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1205635110. Epub 2012 Dec 17.

Abstract

IFN-γ orchestrates the host response against intracellular pathogens. Members of the guanylate binding proteins (GBP) comprise the most abundant IFN-γ-induced transcriptional response. mGBPs are GTPases that are specifically up-regulated by IFN-γ, other proinflammatory cytokines, toll-like receptor agonists, as well as in response to Listeria monocytogenes and Toxoplasma gondii infection. mGBP2 localizes at the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) of T. gondii; however, the molecular function of mGBP2 and its domains in T. gondii infection is not known. Here, we show that mGBP2 is highly expressed in several cell types, including T and B cells after stimulation. We provide evidence that the C-terminal domain is sufficient and essential for recruitment to the T. gondii PV. Functionally, mGBP2 reduces T. gondii proliferation because mGBP2-deficient cells display defects in the replication control of T. gondii. Ultimately, mGBP2-deficient mice reveal a marked immune susceptibility to T. gondii. Taken together, mGBP2 is an essential immune effector molecule mediating antiparasitic resistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astrocytes
  • Blotting, Western
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Reproduction / physiology
  • Toxoplasma / physiology*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / immunology*

Substances

  • Interferon-gamma
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Gbp2 protein, mouse