Dynamic changes in TIGIT expression on the T-cell surface and TIGIT-mediated T-cell dysfunction in the brains of mice with chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection

Abstract

The immunosuppressive receptor TIGIT plays a vital role in the regulation of the immune system's response to pathogens. However, the expression pattern of this receptor in mouse brains during infection with Toxoplasma gondii cysts is not known. Here, we provide evidence of immunological changes and TIGIT expression in infected mouse brains through flow cytometry and QPCR. The obtained results show that TIGIT expression on brain T cells rose considerably after infection. T. gondii infection triggered the conversion of TIGIT⁺ T_CM cells to TIGIT⁺ T_EM cells and reduced their cytotoxicity. During the whole period of T. gondii infection, high intensity and persistent expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α in brain and serum of mice. This study shows that chronic T. gondii infection increases TIGIT expression on brain T cells and affects their immune function.

Keywords: Brain; T cells; T(EM); TIGIT; Toxoplasma gondii.