NF-κB1 contributes to T cell-mediated control of Toxoplasma gondii in the CNS

In this study, the role of NF-kappa B1 was examined during toxoplasmosis. While wildtype BALB/c mice generated protective responses, NF-kappa B1(-/-) mice developed Toxoplasmic encephalitis, characterized by increased parasite burden and necrosis in the brain. Susceptibility was primarily associated with a local decrease in the number of CD8(+) T cells and IFN-gamma production, while accessory cell function appeared intact in NF-KB1(-/-) mice. Consistent with these findings. T cell transfer studies revealed that NF-kappa B1(-/-) T cells provided SCID mice less protection than wildtype T cells. These results demonstrate an intrinsic role for NF-kappa B1 in T cell-mediated immunity to Toxoplasma gondii. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.