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Release of Interleukin 2 and Gamma Interferon by Peripheral Mononuclear Cells in Human Schistosoma mansoni Infection Normalizes after Chemotherapy
Author(s) -
ZWINGENBERGER K.,
IRSCHICK E.,
VERGETTI J. G. SIQUEIRA,
DACAL A. R. CORREIA,
JANSSENROSSECK R.,
BIENZLE U.,
HUBER C.,
FELDMEIER H.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.934
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1365-3083
pISSN - 0300-9475
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3083.1989.tb02451.x
Subject(s) - schistosomiasis , antigen , immunology , lymphokine , schistosoma mansoni , interleukin 2 , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , praziquantel , immune system , interferon gamma , biology , monoclonal antibody , cytokine , medicine , antibody , in vitro , helminths , biochemistry
Interleukin 2(IL‐2) and gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) were determined in supernatantsof mitogen and antigen‐driven cell cultures from patients with hepatosplenic or intestinal schistosomiasis. Skin reactivity was tested using a panel of eight recall antigens. Results were compared with those of uninfected local controls. In both schistosomiasis groups, IL‐2 activity was reduced before treatment. In less than one third of the patients, schistosomal antigens elicited detectable IL‐2 activity. IFN‐γ production was reduced more severely in hapatosplenic cases, in particular after stimulation by anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibodies. After anti‐schistosomal therapy with praziquantel, mitogen‐induced IL‐2 and IFN‐γ activities became normal within 3 months in intestinal schistosomiasis, and within 6 months in the hepatosplenic patient group. Results of in vivo delayed‐type hypersensitivity tests paralleled those of in vitro lymphokine production. In conclusion, evidence is presented for severe, antigen‐unspecific suppression of lymphokine production and skin reactivity against recall antigens. Anti‐parasitic chemotherapy is shown to reverse the impairment of cell‐mediated immune responses at the cytokine level.