Cutting edge: susceptibility to the larval stage of the helminth parasite Taenia crassiceps is mediated by Th2 response induced via STAT6 signaling.
Using STAT6(-/-) BALB/c mice, we analyzed the role of STAT6-induced Th2 response in determining the outcome of murine cysticercosis caused by the helminth parasite Taenia crassiceps. After T. crassiceps infection, wild-type BALB/c mice developed a strong Th2-like response; produced high levels of IgG1, IgE, IL-4, as well as IL-13; and remained susceptible to T. crassiceps. In contrast, similarly infected STAT6(-/-) mice mounted a strong Th1-like response; produced high levels of IgG2a, IL-12, IFN-gamma, as well as nitric oxide; and efficiently controlled T. crassiceps infection. These findings demonstrate that Th2-like response induced via STAT6-mediated signaling pathway mediates susceptibility to T. crassiceps and, furthermore, that unlike the case in most helminths, immunity against T. crassiceps is mediated by a Th1-like rather than Th2-like response.
Rodriguez-Sosa
Miriam
M
Department of Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia "Ignacio Chavez," Mexico, D.F. Mexico.
David
John R
JR
Bojalil
Rafael
R
Satoskar
Abhay R
AR
Terrazas
Luis I
LI
D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003551:Cysticercosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D007814:Larva / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000235:genetics; D017737:Macrophages, Peritoneal / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D050800:STAT6 Transcription Factor; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D013621:Taenia / Q000276:immunology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D016207:Cytokines; D050800:STAT6 Transcription Factor; C494100:Stat6 protein, mouse; D015534:Trans-Activators