The role of CD4+ T cells in the protective immune response to Plasmodium chabaudi in vivo.
CD4+ T cells are an essential component of the protective immune response to Plasmodium chabaudi. In order to determine whether the presence of CD4+ T cells is necessary throughout a primary infection for a protective immune response to develop mice were depleted of their CD4+ T cells in vivo by treatment with specific antibodies. Removal of CD4+ T cells during the acute phase of infection renders mice incapable of clearing their infection. In contrast, removal of CD4+ T cells after this time did not affect their ability to control their parasitaemia. The ability to control parasitaemia correlated with appearance of malaria-specific IgG antibodies. Our data, therefore, suggest a mechanism requiring the presence of CD4+ T cells during the acute pre-IgG period. Later, after IgG has been produced, this mechanism is no longer required.
Langhorne
J
J
Max-Planck-Institut für Immunbiologie, Freiburg, F.R.G.
Simon-Haarhaus
B
B
Meding
S J
SJ
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D008288:Malaria / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D013997:Time Factors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan