Chlamydial infection enhances expression of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) and transcytosis of IgA

Abstract

Problem: The pIgR mediates transport of IgA into the lumen of mucosal tissues preventing pathogenic infection. Despite this, the expression of pIgR during chlamydial infections of the male and female reproductive tracts remains poorly understood.

Method of study: The expression of pIgR in response to hormone cycling or over the course of chlamydial infection was determined in vitro and in vivo by Western blot or immunohistochemistry.

Results: PIgR was upregulated in response to Chlamydia spp. infection of human epithelia, in both male and female mouse reproductive tracts. PIgR expression was found to be highest during estrus in the cervicovaginal and uterine epithelia and lowest during diestrus or following hormonal synchronization with Depo-Provera. Chlamydial infection of mice mediates upregulation of pIgR and transcytosis of IgA into the lumen.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that chlamydial infection enhances IgA secretion and pIgR expression by epithelia in the lower reproductive tracts of females and males, and hormone synchronization downregulates pIgR expression and transcytosis of IgA prior to challenge.

Keywords: Chlamydia; IgA; hormones; pIgR; reproductive tract.