Modulating ongoing Th2-cell responses in experimental leishmaniasis.
Dramatically polarized T helper (Th)-cell responses are seen in experimental murine infections with Leishmania major. Resistant mice develop a Th1-cell type response and heal the primary lesion, while susceptible mice develop non-protective Th2-cell responses, and the disease eventually proves fatal. Deservedly, much effort has gone into determining factors that influence the development of these T-cell subsets early in infection; however, little is known about how the polarity of established responses can be permanently modified. In this article, Gary Nabors reviews his findings on modifying ongoing Th2-cell responses in susceptible mice, and discusses therapies that have proven effective involving reducing the level of infection using a conventional antileishmanial drug, combined with agents that push the response towards the Th1 pole.
Division of Immunology, Department of Research. Pasteur Merieux Connaught. Route 611. PO Box 187. Swiftwater, PA 18370, USA. nabors@postoffice.ptd.net
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