Single-cell RNA-seq analysis of cervical lymph nodes from mice intradermally infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

In mice, establishment of a contained and persistent yet non-pathogenic infection with Mtb ("contained Mtb infection", CMTB) rapidly and durably reduces tuberculosis disease burden after re-exposure through aerosol challenge. The bacteria are introduced by intradermal inoculation into the ear and are contained in the corresponsing cervical lymph node. Protection is associated with elevated activation of alveolar macrophages, the first cells that respond to inhaled Mtb, and accelerated recruitment of Mtb-specific T cells to the lung parenchyma. This study used single-cell RNA-seq to compare the cellularity and transcriptional profiles of innate immune cells in the cervical lymph node of naive mice and mice with CMTB. Overall design: Mice were left untreated or inoculated with Mtb (strain H37Rv) to establish contained Mtb infection. 8 weeks later, the cervical lymph nodes were harvested and analyzed by single-cell RNA-seq.