Pcyox1l Role in Sensitivity to Ocular P. Aeruginosa Infections via Neutrophil Infiltration and Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

The function of the Prenylcysteine oxidase 1-like (Pcyox1l) gene is currently unknown. To examine the significance of Pcyox1l, the Pcyox1l KO mice and WT littermates were infected with P. aeruginosa and disease outcomes were measured. Knocking out the Pcyox1l gene caused elevated susceptibility to P. aeruginosa-induced eye infections, exemplified by worsened disease pathology with ulceration and hemorrhaging observed at 24h and 48h after P. aeruginosa ocular infection presented. Histology analysis revealed greater neutrophil infiltration within the corneal epithelium, stroma, and anterior chamber of the Pcyox1l KO mice. Complete peripheral blood cell (CBC) analysis showed differences during infection. The Pcyox1l KO mice presented with remarkable thrombocytopenia with significantly higher mean platelet volume (MPV) values correlating with the hemorrhaging phenotype and suggestive of defects in platelet generation. Interestingly, significantly lower platelet counts were found in the blood of non-infected Pcyox1l KO mice when compared to WT littermates. Cumulatively, our data point to a key role for Pcyox1l in thrombocyte development at steady state and during infection.