CD4 T cells mediate mucosal and systemic immune responses to experimental hookworm infection.
Hookworm infection is associated with anaemia and malnutrition in many resource-limited countries. Ancylostoma hookworms have previously been shown to modulate host cellular immune responses through multiple mechanisms, including reduced mitogen-mediated lymphocyte proliferation, impaired antigen presentation/processing, and relative reductions in CD4(+) T cells in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. Syrian hamsters were depleted of CD4(+) for up to 9 days following intraperitoneal injection (200 microg) of a murine anti-mouse CD4 monoclonal IgG (clone GK1.5). CD4(+) T-cell-depleted hamsters infected with the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum exhibited a threefold higher mean intestinal worm burden and more severe anaemia than animals that received isotype control IgG. In addition, depletion of CD4(+) T cells was associated with impaired cellular and humoral (serum and mucosal) immune responses to hookworm antigens. These data demonstrate an effector role for CD4(+) T cells in hookworm immunity and disease pathogenesis. Ultimately, these studies may yield important insights into the relationship between intestinal nematode infections and diseases that are associated with CD4(+) T-cell depletion, including HIV.
Dondji
B
B
Program in International Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT, USA.
Sun
T
T
Bungiro
R D
RD
Vermeire
J J
JJ
Harrison
L M
LM
Bifulco
C
C
Cappello
M
M
D000722:Ancylostoma / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000724:Ancylostomiasis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D000740:Anemia / Q000469:parasitology; D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000276:immunology*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006224:Cricetinae; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D007422:Intestines / Q000469:parasitology; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D008647:Mesocricetus
D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal