The role of β(2) integrin in dendritic cell migration during infection

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in shaping T cell responses. To do this, DCs must be able to migrate to the site of the infection and the lymph nodes to prime T cells and initiate the appropriate immune response. Integrins such as β(2) integrin play a key role in leukocyte adhesion, migration, and cell activation. However, the role of β(2) integrin in DC migration and function in the context of infection-induced inflammation in the gut is not well understood. This study looked at the role of β(2) integrin in DC migration and function during infection with the nematode worm Trichuris muris. Itgb2(tm1Bay) mice lacking functional β(2) integrin and WT littermate controls were infected with T. muris and the response to infection and kinetics of the DC response was assessed. RESULTS: In infection, the lack of functional β(2) integrin significantly reduced DC migration to the site of infection but not the lymph nodes. The lack of functional β(2) integrin did not negatively impact T cell activation in response to T. muris infection. CONCLUSIONS: This data suggests that β(2) integrins are important in DC recruitment to the infection site potentially impacting the initiation of innate immunity but is dispensible for DC migration to lymph nodes and T cell priming in the context of T. muris infection. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12865-020-00394-5.