Regulation of immune responses in lymphatic filariasis.
The nature and intensity of immune reactions to filarial antigens appear to be controlled by two broad mechanisms: immunoregulation and immune tolerance. Parasite molecules of high molecular weight activate suppressor T lymphocytes; suppressive parasite products are present in sera from microfilaraemic patients. Prenatal or perinatal exposure to soluble parasite antigens may influence a person's future ability to react to filarial antigens.
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000276:immunology*; D002009:Brugia / Q000276:immunology*; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology
D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M