Echinococcus granulosus: different cytokine profiles are induced by single versus multiple experimental infections in dogs.
Modulation of host responses is an important strategy by which parasites ensure successful establishment and persistence. Host counteraction against this modulation may be required for the host to develop resistance to infection. In this pilot study, experimental infection of dogs with Echinococcus granulosus induced a strong polarization of the cytokine response towards a Th2 phenotype. Consecutive rounds of infection and cure induced resistance to infection resulting in a dramatically lower parasite burden. Repeatedly-infected resistant dogs also lost immune polarization and developed a balanced Th1/Th2 response. No major differences were observed in the production of regulatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β) between dogs with high parasite load and dogs with only few intestinal parasites. These results suggest that E. granulosus-driven immunomodulation contributes to successful infection in the definitive host. This information might be relevant for the development of more effective vaccines against this stage of the parasite.
Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Andrea
A
Rossi
Juan M
JM
Marqués
Cesar M
CM
Gavidia
Armando E
AE
Gonzalez
Carlos
C
Carmona
Hector H
HH
García
José A
JA
Chabalgoity
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004285:Dogs; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D048209:Echinococcus granulosus / Q000276:immunology*; D010581:Peyer's Patches / Q000276:immunology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012008:Recurrence; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology
D016207:Cytokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger