High leptospiremia is associated with low gamma–delta T cell counts

• Published in: Microbes and infection Vol. 17; no. 6; pp. 451 - 455
• Main Authors: Raffray, Loic, Giry, Claude, Thirapathi, Yoga, Binois, François, Moiton, Marie-Pierre, Lagrange-Xelot, Marie, Ferrandiz, Dominique, Jaffar-Bandjee, Marie-Christine, Gasque, Philippe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01-06-2015; Elsevier
• Subjects: Bacteremia; Bacteremia - immunology; Bacteremia - metabolism; Bacteriology; Gamma–delta T cells antigen receptors; Human health and pathology; Humans; Immunity, Innate - immunology; Immunology; Infectious diseases; Innate immunity; Leptospira; Leptospirosis; Leptospirosis - immunology; Leptospirosis - metabolism; Life Sciences; Liver; Lymphocyte Activation - immunology; Microbiology and Parasitology; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta - metabolism; T-Lymphocyte Subsets - immunology; Leptospirosis; Innate immunity; Gamma–delta T cells antigen receptors; Liver; Bacteremia
• ISSN: 1286-4579; 1769-714X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2015.04.001

The role of innate immune cells either to mount appropriate defense mechanisms or to drive uncontrolled tissue injuries during acute leptospirosis is poorly understood. This study aimed at characterizing the selective mobilization of innate immune cells and the level of target organ injuries in response to leptospiremia. We focused on gamma-delta (γ–δ) T cells. Patients were prospectively assessed for cell count by cytometry, for bacterial load by PCR in plasma samples and for levels of soluble acute phase tissue enzymes. We found that the level of γ–δ T cells was low and inversely correlated to liver injuries and leptospiremia.