Gene Expression Profiles in the Optic Nerve of Mice with Systemic Acanthamoebiasis

Systemic infection with <i>Acanthamoeba</i> spp. can induce inflammatory responses within the visual axis, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms in the optic nerve remain poorly understood. The aim of the study was to determine the gene expression of <i>Nlrp3</i> (encoding NOD-, LRP- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3, NLRP3), <i>Ptgs2</i> (encoding cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2), <i>Rela</i> (encoding nuclear factor kappa B, NF-κB), and several cytokines in the optic nerve of mice during disseminated infection with <i>Acanthamoeba</i> sp. (T16 genotype) under various immunological conditions. In immunocompetent mice, <i>Ptgs2</i> and <i>Ifng</i> expressions were upregulated at the beginning of infection. In the late stages, we found increased levels of <i>Il10</i> and <i>Nlrp3</i>. In immunosuppressed mice, higher expressions of <i>Nlrp3</i>, <i>Ptgs2</i>, <i>Rela</i>, <i>Il1b</i>, <i>Il10</i>, <i>Il17a</i>, <i>Il21</i>, and <i>Ifng</i> were found in the infected mice compared to the control group. These results indicate that immunosuppression promotes prolonged inflammation by altering innate and adaptive immune responses, contributing to sustained neuroinflammatory processes affecting the optic nerve. This study provides mechanistic insight into host-pathogen interactions in the optic nerve during systemic <i>Acanthamoeba</i> infection. Due to the analysis being based on mRNA expression levels, direct inference regarding protein levels and the actual activity of the investigated immunological pathways is limited.