We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Group G Streptococcus Induces an Autoimmune Carditis Mediated by Interleukin 17A and Interferon γ in the Lewis Rat Model of Rheumatic Heart Disease.
- Authors
Sikder, Suchandan; Williams, Natasha L.; Sorenson, Alanna E.; Alim, Md. A.; Vidgen, Miranda E.; Moreland, Nicole J.; Rush, Catherine M.; Simpson, Robert S.; Govan, Brenda L.; Norton, Robert E.; Cunningham, Madeleine W.; McMillan, David J.; Sriprakash, Kadaba S.; Ketheesan, Natkunam
- Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (ARF/RHD) have long been described as autoimmune sequelae of Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcal (GAS) infection. Both antibody and T-cell responses against immunodominant GAS virulence factors, including M protein, cross-react with host tissue proteins, triggering an inflammatory response leading to permanent heart damage. However, in some ARF/RHD-endemic regions, throat carriage of GAS is low. Because Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis organisms, also known as β-hemolytic group C streptococci and group G streptococci (GGS), also express M protein, we postulated that streptococci other than GAS may have the potential to initiate or exacerbate ARF/RHD. Using a model initially developed to investigate the uniquely human disease of ARF/RHD, we have discovered that GGS causes interleukin 17A/interferon γ-induced myocarditis and valvulitis, hallmarks of ARF/RHD. Remarkably the histological, immunological, and functional changes in the hearts of rats exposed to GGS are identical to those exposed to GAS. Furthermore, antibody cross-reactivity to cardiac myosin was comparable in both GGS- and GAS-exposed animals, providing additional evidence that GGS can induce and/or exacerbate ARF/RHD.
- Subjects
STREPTOCOCCUS; AUTOIMMUNE diseases; INTERLEUKIN-17; INTERFERONS; RHEUMATIC heart disease; LABORATORY rats
- Publication
Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2018, Vol 218, Issue 2, p324
- ISSN
0022-1899
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1093/infdis/jix637