Circulating CD23+ B cell subset correlates with the development of resistance to Schistosoma mansoni reinfection in occupationally exposed adults who have undergone multiple treatments.
BACKGROUND
Elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels are often associated with resistance to reinfection in human schistosomiasis. However, Although B cells are the source of schistosome-specific IgE, little is known about B cell subsets or their functions in this infection. We evaluated B cells and their expression of the low-affinity IgE receptor (CD23) in a unique cohort of men occupationally exposed to Schistosoma mansoni and longitudinally followed up through multiple treatments with praziquantel, cures, and reinfections.


METHODS
Resistance levels were calculated on the basis of documented water exposure and reinfection data over many years. The CD23(+) B cell subset was evaluated in whole blood by flow cytometry. Serum antibody isotype and soluble CD23 (sCD23) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
Expression of membrane CD23 (mCD23) on B cells correlated with the development of resistance against S. mansoni. Higher levels of plasma sCD23, the cleaved form of mCD23, also correlated with resistance and other markers of resistance to reinfection, such as eosinophilia.


CONCLUSIONS
CD23 may be involved in the development of resistance to schistosome infection through its role in IgE regulation. Understanding these complex host-parasite interactions may lead to insights into the development, mechanisms, and regulation of resistance to reinfection with S. mansoni.
Mwinzi
Pauline N M
PN
Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya.
Ganley-Leal
Lisa
L
Black
Carla L
CL
Secor
W Evan
WE
Karanja
Diana M S
DM
Colley
Daniel G
DG
D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016175:B-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D004802:Eosinophilia; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017455:Receptors, IgE / Q000378:metabolism*; D012008:Recurrence; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology
D000871:Anthelmintics; D017455:Receptors, IgE; D011223:Praziquantel