Is the induction of apoptosis the mechanism of the protective effects of TNF alpha in helminth infection?
Tumour necrosis factor alpha has been implicated in protective immune responses to a number of parasitic helminths. However, the final effector mechanisms resulting in death or expulsion of the parasite are unclear. Here we suggest that, by employing phylogenetically conserved mechanisms, the mammalian immune system is able to interfere with helminth development directly and that the protective effects of TNF alpha in helminth infections may operate via the induction of parasite apoptosis.
Garside
P
P
Department of Immunology, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
Sands
W A
WA
Kusel
J R
JR
Hagan
P
P
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000276:immunology*
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha