Exploring the impact of Escherichia coli outer membrane proteins on immune response and inflammation in rabbits

• Published in: Journal of biotech research 2024-01, Vol.17, p.105-111
• Main Authors: Hassan, Duaa, Kheiruralla, Inas Abbass, Jasim, Maysoon Kooshi, Hadi, Ameer Mezher, Al-Mawlah, Yasir Haider
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptive immunity; Antigens; Bacteria; Cell membranes; Cell-mediated immunity; Cytokines; E coli; Electrophoresis; Escherichia coli; Exposure; Gram-negative bacteria; Humoral immunity; Immune response; Immune response (cell-mediated); Immune system; Immunization; Immunomodulation; Inflammation; Interleukin 10; Interleukin 3; Interleukins; Laboratory animals; Membrane proteins; Membranes; Molecular weight; Outer membrane proteins; Polyacrylamide; Proteins; Rabbits; Skin; Sodium dodecyl sulfate; Sodium lauryl sulfate; Spleen; Statistical analysis; Vaccines; Virulence
• ISSN: 1944-3285

Most Gram-negative bacteria have an outer cell membrane containing outer membrane proteins (OMPs) that are arranged parallel along the length of the cell. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of Escherichia coli OMPs in laboratory animals (rabbits). 60 matured male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) weighing approximately 1 kg each were used to isolate and characterize E. Coli OMPs. The rabbits were subsequently immunized with 0.1 ml E. Coli OMPs at a concentration of 1.7 mg/mL by subcutaneous injection. A polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis sodium dodecyl sulfate (PAGE-SDS) was employed for results evaluation and found only single band of OMP at 48 kDa that consistent with the expected size of a major E. Coli outer membrane protein. We hypothesized that the exposure to E. Coli OMPs would alter splenic function and rabbit cellular immune responses. The results showed that the spleen weight index was significantly higher in the OMP-exposed group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, OMP exposure led to increased levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-3 (IL-3) compared to controls. These findings elucidated the role of OMPs in triggering inflammatory responses and suggested their potential to induce both humoral and cellular immunity. This study showed important points about the complex interactions between OMPs and the immune system potentially paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against E. Coli infections.