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CD4 + T cells mediate mucosal and systemic immune responses to experimental hookworm infection
Author(s) -
DONDJI B.,
SUN T.,
BUNGIRO R. D.,
VERMEIRE J. J.,
HARRISON L. M.,
BIFULCO C.,
CAPPELLO M.
Publication year - 2010
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.1365-3024.2010.01204.x
Subject(s) - immunology , biology , immune system , hookworm infection , isotype , mesenteric lymph nodes , spleen , ancylostoma duodenale , hookworm infections , antigen , antibody , necator americanus , monoclonal antibody , helminthiasis , helminths , ascaris lumbricoides
Summary 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 μg) 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.