Modulation of cytokine production and response phenotypes in murine trichuriasis.
BALB/K mice are usually resistant to infection with the intestinal nematode parasite Trichuris muris and exhibit a Th2 dominated (IL-5, IL-9) response. Conversely in B10.BR mice, which are unable to expel T. muris, Th1 type (IFN-gamma producing) cells predominate. We have manipulated the course of infection in these two strains of mice such that the period of host-parasite contact is extended in the former and curtailed in the latter. Extension of host-parasite contact in BALB/K mice beyond normal (day 21) resulted in the modulation of cytokines produced by in vitro concanavalin A (Con-A) stimulated MLNC away from IL-5 and IL-9 (Th2-type cytokines) in favour of the Th1-type cytokine IFN-gamma. Curtailment of host parasite contact in B10.BR mice to less than 21 days resulted in elevated production of IL-5 and IL-9 by MLNC in the absence of elevated IFN-gamma levels. Thus modulation of expulsion phenotype also modulates cytokine production by T-cells in the MLN draining the site of infection, with a Th2 response being associated with resistance and a Th1 type response with the inability to expel the parasite. Mechanisms by which the modulated cytokine profiles arise are discussed.
Else
K J
KJ
Department of Cell & Structural Biology, University of Manchester, UK.
Hültner
L
L
Grencis
R K
RK
D000818:Animals; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000276:immunology; D003208:Concanavalin A; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D014257:Trichuriasis / Q000276:immunology*
D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D016207:Cytokines; D003208:Concanavalin A