Expressions of B7.1 and B7.2 in macrophagus of rats infected by Plasmodium yoelii

Objective To study the expression levels of B7.1 and B7.2 in the macrophagus of rats infected with the Plasmodium yoelii sporozoites and investigate the roles of these costimulators in parasite infection immunity. Methods The mammal model was established by infecting rats with the sporozoites, then macrophagus was separated from the rat abdominal cavity 2, 12, 24, 48, 72 h after infection. The expressions were quantitative analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Result The expressions of B7.1 and B7.2 were upregulated after infected with the sporozoites. The expression of B7.1 was slowly induced and then descended at 72 h. B7.2 was rapidly induced and maximally expressed at 48 h and downregulation at 72 h. The expression of B7.2 was significantly higher than that of B7.1 at all time points assayed after stimulation (P0.05). Conclusion The changes of B7.1 and B7.2 expressions on macrophagus manifest these costimulators are involved in activating the mammal host immune defense and immunoregulation after Plasmodium yoelii sporozoites invaded.