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Modulation of cytokine production and response phenotypes in murine trichuriasis
Author(s) -
ELSE K.J.,
HÜLTNER L.,
GRENCIS R.K.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
parasite immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1365-3024
pISSN - 0141-9838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3024.1992.tb00018.x
Subject(s) - biology , phenotype , trichuriasis , immunology , cytokine , genetics , gene , helminths , ascariasis
Summary BALB/K mice are usually resistant to infection with the intestinal nematode parasite Trichuris muris and exhibit a Th2 dominated (IL‐5, IL‐9) response. Conversely in B10.BR mice, which are unable to expel T. muris , Thl type (IFN ‐7 producing) cells predominate. We have manipulated the course of infection in these two strains of mice such that the period of host‐parasite contact is extended in the former and curtailed in the latter. Extension of host‐parasite contact in BALB/K mice beyond normal (day 21) resulted in the modulation of cytokines produced by in vitro concanavalin A (Con‐A) stimulated MLNC away from IL‐5 and IL‐9 (Th2‐type cytokines) in favour of the Th1‐type cytokine IFN‐γ. Curtailment of host parasite contact in B10.BR mice to less that 21 days resulted in elevated production of IL‐5 and IL‐9 by MLNC in the absence of elevated IFN‐γ levels. Thus modulation of expulsion phenotype also modulates cytokine production by T‐cells in the MLN draining the site of infection, with a Th2 response being associated with resistance and a Th1 type response with the inability to expel the parasite. Mechanisms by which the modulated cytokine profiles arise are discussed.