STAT-6 is an absolute requirement for murine rejection of Hymenolepis diminuta.
Infection with helminth parasites typically evokes a T helper 2-cell response in the mammalian host. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are important in the rapid expulsion of parasitic nematodes, with the absence of either cytokine being compensated for by the other. However, the IL-4 and IL-13 common signaling molecule, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT-6) appears to be mandatory for the spontaneous expulsion of enteric helminths. Mice genetically deficient in IL-4, IL-13, or STAT-6 were infected with the cestode Hymenolepis diminuta and worm infectivity and jejunal goblet cell responses assessed 12-18 days postinfection (PI). Only the STAT-6 knockout (KO) animals harbored adult worms; neither gravid adult nor stunted H. diminuta was obtained from the infected IL-4 KO or IL-13 KO mice > or = 12 days PI. Also, the establishment of worms in the intestine of STAT-6 KO animals was associated with a reduced goblet cell response. These findings support the hypothesis that increased mucin production is an important part of the host response to tapeworm infection and that functional STAT-6 signaling may be an absolute requirement for the rejection of intestinal cestodes and thus, helminth parasites in general.
McKay
Derek M
DM
Intestinal Disease Research Programme, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5. mckayd@mcmaster.ca
Khan
Wallul I
WI
D000818:Animals; D006925:Hymenolepiasis / Q000276:immunology*; D006926:Hymenolepis / Q000276:immunology*; D018793:Interleukin-13 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D050800:STAT6 Transcription Factor; D015398:Signal Transduction; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D018793:Interleukin-13; D050800:STAT6 Transcription Factor; C494100:Stat6 protein, mouse; D015534:Trans-Activators; D015847:Interleukin-4