Murine schistosomiasis mansoni: coordinate cytokine regulation and differences in cellular immune responses of granuloma cells and splenocytes to endogenous and exogenous schistosome egg antigens

To better understand the cellular immune mechanisms that regulate granulomatous inflammation to Schistosoma mansoni ova, we examined the dynamics of lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine expression by granuloma cells and splenocytes to endogenous and exogenous schistosome egg antigen (SEA) 6-19 weeks postinfection. Compared to splenocytes, granuloma cells (partially CD4+ cells) which are at the site of antigen release were highly activated by endogenous SEA and terminally differentiated as indicated by the more than 10-fold greater frequency of ex vivo interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and interferon (IFN)-gamma -secreting cells, greater levels of constitutive cytokine production and failure to proliferate to either endogenous or exogenous SEA. Endogenous cytokine production by granuloma cells was coordinately regulated, enhanced little by exogenous SEA, and temporally correlated with granulomatous inflammation. By contrast, CD4+ splenocytes produced comparatively little cytokine release by endogenous antigen, whereas exogenous SEA strongly induced IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IFN-gamma production and lymphocyte proliferation that correlated poorly with the dynamics of granulomatous inflammation. These results show that cytokine responses to endogenous SEA correlated better with granulomatous inflammation than responses to exogenous SEA. Furthermore, granuloma cells and splenocytes demonstrated strikingly different proliferative responses and dynamics of cytokine expression, suggesting that how SEA reactive lymphocytes traffic between lymphoid tissues and the granuloma is critical to a better understanding of the mechanisms of granulomatous inflammation and its modulation.     

Cytokine responses in immunized and non-immunized calves after Ostertagia ostertagi infection

The objective of this study was to evaluate abomasal cytokine responses in helminth-naive calves and calves vaccinated with protective antigen fractions from Ostertagia ostertagi after an experimental challenge infection with infective third stage (L3) larvae. Abomasal lymph nodes and/or abomasal mucosa were collected and messenger RNA for the Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-12 p40 subunit), the Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-15) and the Th3/Tr cytokine TGF-beta was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. Vaccination had no effect on cytokine profiles in either the abomasal lymph nodes or the abomasal mucosa. However, following infection all calves showed a significant decrease in the Th1 cytokines, IFN-gamma and IL-12 p40, and a significant increase in the Th2 cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13 in the lymph nodes, compared to non-infected calves. No correlation between the Th2 response and protection induced by vaccination could be demonstrated. In contrast, a Th2 pattern was not observed in the mucosa of the infected calves, which exhibited an increase in IFN-gamma as well as in the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 mRNA. No significant association was observed in the abomasal mucosa between any examined cytokine mRNA level and immune effector responses such as parasite-specific antibodies or the number of mucosal mast cells or eosinophils.     

T cell cytokine imbalance towards production of IFN-gamma and IL-10 in NZB/W F1 lupus-prone mice is associated with autoantibody levels and nephritis

OBJECTIVE: The role of T cell-derived cytokine production in lupus is poorly understood. We analysed the cytokine production of CD4(+) T cells in the NZB/W F1 mouse strain, the mouse model probably most closely resembling human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and assessed whether a possible shift in the cytokines expressed is associated with age or disease activity. METHODS: We used intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry to determine the cytokine expression of splenic CD4(+) T cells for interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10. NZB/W F1 mice at different ages spanning 5 to 36 weeks were analysed, healthy Balb/cxNZW F1 (CWF1) mice were used as controls. Serum anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and proteinuria and plasma creatinine were estimated using commercial test kits. RESULTS: The cytokine profile of CD4(+) T cells was shifted towards T-helper 1 (Th1) cells and the frequencies of Th cells expressing IFN-gamma(+) correlated with age, anti-dsDNA-immunoglobulin G (IgG) titre and proteinuria. An increased percentage of IL-10 producers correlated positively with anti-dsDNA-IgG and proteinuria, and a small gain in IL-4 producers correlated with plasma creatinine. Neither the percentage of IL-10 producers nor IL-4 producers showed a significant correlation with age. There was no significant change observed in the frequency of TNF-alpha T cells. The IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio demonstrated an increasing shift towards a Th1-type response during disease development that was not present in healthy mouse strains. CONCLUSION: The association between the frequencies of T cells expressing IFN-gamma and IL-10 and clinical findings suggests a key role for these cells in the pathogenesis of lupus.     

Immunity to coccidiosis: genetic influences on lymphocyte and cytokine responses to infection with Eimeria vermiformis in inbred mice

Cellular and cytokine responses to infection with Eimeria vermiformis were compared in BALB/c (resistant) and C57BL/6 (B6-susceptible) inbred mice. Cellular responses in the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) occurred sooner after primary infection in the resistant BALB/c strain. In contrast, proliferative responses occurred earlier after challenge in B6 mice. Resting levels of CD4 + ve and CD8 + ve T-lymphocytes in the MLN differed between the two strains but the relative numbers of each subset remained relatively constant throughout primary infection. MLN cells taken at intervals after infection were assayed for release of the cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-5 and IL-10 after culture in vitro with the mitogen Concanavalin A (Con-A) or with parasite antigen. With either stimulus cells from resistant BALB/c mice released IFN-gamma and IL-5 earlier after infection than did B6 cells. The strains had a comparable absolute ability to produce IFN-gamma but BALB/c cells released more IL-5 than did B6, levels declining, rather than increasing, during primary infection in the latter. Only cells from BALB/c mice released IL-10 during infection. Cells taken after a secondary infection released relatively little cytokine after pulsing in vitro. These data suggest that the difference in response phenotype between the two strains when infected with E. vermiformis reflect a kinetic, rather than a qualitative, difference in ability to mount protective T-helper (Th) cell subset responses. No evidence was found for a Th2-mediated interference with ability to release IFN-gamma, the cytokine most closely associated with protective immunity.     

Effect of Cry-consensus peptide, a novel recombinant peptide for immunotherapy of Japanese cedar pollinosis, on an experimental allergic rhinitis model in B10.S mice.

BACKGROUND: We are developing an immunotherapeutic peptide, Cry-consensus peptide, for Japanese cedar pollinosis. Cry-consensus peptide is a recombinant polypeptide containing six major human T-cell epitopes derived from both Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, two major allergens of Japanese cedar pollen. We examined the effect of Cry-consensus peptide on an allergic rhinitis model in B10.S mice, which have one common T-cell epitope in the Cry-consensus peptide. METHODS: B10.S mice were sensitized with Cry j 1/alum, then the Cry-consensus peptide was administered subcutaneously once a week for 5 weeks from the last sensitization. Histamine was dropped in both nostrils (10 microL per nostril) of each mouse on the day before continuous intranasal instillation of Cry j 1. Soon after the final challenge with Cry j 1, the mice were observed for 5 minutes for the resulting number of sneezes. In addition, serum levels of Cry j 1-specific IgE and IgG2a antibody, eosinophil infiltration in nasal tissue, and Cry j 1-specific cytokine production from splenocytes were evaluated. RESULTS: Cry-consensus peptide markedly inhibited Cry j 1-induced sneezes, eosinophil infiltration, and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity in nasal tissue. Cry-consensus peptide inhibited the production of anti-Cry j 1 IgE (Th2-mediated) and significantly enhanced anti-Cry j 1 IgG2a (Th1-mediated). In cytokine production from splenocytes, Cry-consensus peptide significantly decreased in IL-4/IFN-gamma and IL-5/IFN-gamma ratios. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that Cry-consensus peptide effectively controlled allergic responses, which results from shifting from a Th2-dominated to a Th1-dominated immune response.     

Susceptibility to Mycobacterium leprae of ALY (alymphoplasia) mice and IFN-gamma induction in the culture supernatant of spleen cells.

The aly/aly (alymphoplasia) mice from a mutation of a colony of the C57BL/6J mouse strain, which has a systemic absence of lymph nodes and Peyer's patches, are deficient in both T- and B-cell-mediated immune functions. We have undertaken a comparison of susceptibility to Mycobacterium leprae of ALY (aly/aly, aly/+) mice with C57BL/6J mice. The aly/aly mouse was found to have an excellent high susceptibility to M. leprae with no distinction between female and male. The aly/+ mouse also was more susceptible to M. leprae at an earlier stage than the C57BL/6J mouse. Therefore, we examined and compared the cytokine gene expression and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) induction in the splenocytes of ALY mice. The expression of interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-10 and IL-12 mRNA was weakly stimulated with ML-lysate in inoculated aly/aly mice but IL-2, IL-6, IGIF/IL-18 and IFN-gamma mRNA were not observed. None of the cytokine genes used appeared, except the mRNA for IL-1-alpha, when uninfected cultured spleen cells were stimulated with ML-lysate. Also, IFN-gamma production was not induced. However, the appearance of these cytokine genes was observed when stimulated with concanavalin A (ConA), and IFN-gamma production was also induced in the culture supernatant by aly/+ and even aly/aly mice stimulated with ConA. To examine the reason why IFN-gamma cannot be produced by splenocytes of ALY mice inoculated with M. leprae, we detected cytokine gene expression and IFN-gamma induction in the presence of recombinant murine IL-12 or IGIF/IL-18. IL-2 mRNA expression was detected in all of the mice tested in the presence of IL-12 but not in aly/aly mice under IGIF/IL-18, and iNOS mRNA expression was not observed in aly/aly mice under IL-12 or IGIF/IL-18. IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA were detected by aly/aly mice only by exposure to IGIF/IL-18. In culture, the supernatant with ML antigens of the aly/aly mice did not produce IFN-gamma in spite of the presence of IL-12 and IGIF/IL-18, while IFN-gamma was weakly induced in aly/+ mice stimulated with ML-lysate and in the presence of IGIF/IL-18. Nevertheless, IFN-gamma production was observed in splenocytes of the aly/aly mice stimulated with ConA and also with IGIF/IL-18 plus anti-CD3 antibody. Our results suggest that ALY mice might be showing a high susceptibility to M. leprae because of deficient priming for activation of T cells with the leprosy bacilli infection. Moreover, it is possible that the phagocytic activities of the macrophages of ALY mice are also impaired.     

T-cell activity associated with secondary infections and implanted cysts of Echinococcus granulosus in BALB/c mice

Selected cytokine profiles of lymphocytes were assessed in BALB/c mice infected with protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus . Late stages of the infection (three months +) were characterized by more dominant Th2 activity with elevated IL-4 and IL-10 and reduced IFN-γ output by Con-A and antigen stimulated splenocytes. Circumparasitic leucocytes produced mainly IL-10 by five months post infection. A peak in IFN-γ production in the first month of infection may suggest Th1 or Th0 activity at this time and this may be correlated with initial protoscolex death. In addition, cytokine profiles from mice implanted with intact hydatid cysts were also assessed. At two weeks post implantation all cysts were still viable and cytokine production was characterized mainly by elevated IL-10 production. However, at four months post implantation, some of the cysts from two mice had been killed whilst all cysts in the remaining mouse remained viable. In the mice where dead cysts were present, elevated levels of IFN-γ were detected from splenocytes and circumparasitic cells. Elevated IL-4 was also evident with the splenocytes. In the mouse with viable cysts IFN-γ production was reduced. Results indicate that IFN-γ (Th1) activity may be correlated with killing of both protoscoleces and established cysts of E. granulosus.     

Sjcb2 DNA疫苗在血吸虫感染小鼠中的保护性作用研究

目的 研究Sjcb2 DNA疫苗在日本血吸虫病小鼠模型中的保护性作用和机制,为血吸虫疫苗的研究提供有效的候选抗原分子。方法 构建pcDNA3.1(+)/Sjcb2 核酸疫苗,将6周龄雌性BALB/c小鼠随机分为pcDNA3.1(+)/Sjcb2 核酸疫苗组、pcDNA3.1(+)空质粒组及生理盐水组,每组35只,采用后腿股四头肌注射方法,每次免疫质粒DNA 100 μg,每2周免疫1次,共免疫3次,用日本血吸虫尾蚴攻击感染各组小鼠。PCR及免疫组化法检测Sjcb2基因在小鼠体内的稳定性及表达情况;MTT法检测小鼠脾淋巴细胞特异性增殖反应;ELISA法检测小鼠血清中Sjcb2抗体水平及攻击感染前后脾淋巴细胞培养上清中IFN-γ和IL-4的水平;计数小鼠荷成虫对数和肝脏荷虫卵数。结果 疫苗组小鼠均可在小鼠肌细胞中检测到Sjcb2基因及其抗原的表达;DNA疫苗组T细胞增殖显著增高(P <0.05);ELISA 结果显示疫苗组IFN-γ 水平显著增高(P <0.05),血吸虫尾蚴攻击感染后各组小鼠IL-4水平显著升高(P <0.05)。DNA疫苗组小鼠荷成虫对数及肝脏荷虫卵数与其它组比较显著性减少(P <0.05),其减虫率为36.32％,减卵率为60.61％。结论 Sjcb2 DNA疫苗接种小鼠后能在小鼠肌细胞中稳定存在和表达;Sjcb2可能通过提高IFN-γ 和降低IL-4水平调节Th1细胞亚群产生抗血吸虫感染的保护性作用。     

A candidate DNA vaccine elicits HCV specific humoral and cellular immune responses

AIM: TO investigate the immunogenicity of candidate DNA vaccine against hepatitis C virus (HCV) delivered by two plasmids expressing HCV envelope protein 1 (El) and envelope protein 2 (E2) antigens respectively and to study the effect of CpG adjuvant on this candidate vaccine.METHODS: Recombinant plasmJds expressing HCV EI and E2 antigens respectively were used to simultaneously inoculate mice with or without CpG adjuvant. Antisera were then collected and tJters of antJ-HCV antibodies were analyzed by ELISA. One month after the last injection, animals were sacrificed to prepare single-cell suspension of splenocytes.These cells were subjected to HCV antigen specific proliferaion assays and cytokine secretion assays to evaluate the cellular immune responses of the vaccinated animals.RESULTS: Antibody responses to HCV EI and E2 antigens were detected in vaccinated animals. Animals receiving CpG adjuvant had slightly lower titers of anti-HCV antibodies in the sera, while the splenocytes from these animals showed higher HCV-antigen specific proliferation. Analysis of cytokine secretion from the splenocytes was consistent with the above results. While no antigen-specific IL-4 secretion was detected for all vaccinated animals, HCV antigen-specific INF-γ, secretion was detected for the splenocytes of vaccinated animals. CpG adjuvant enhanced the secretion of INF-γ, but did not change the profile of IL-4 secretion.CONCLUSION: Vaccination of mice with plasmids encoding HCV E1 and E2 antigens induces humoral and cellular immune responses. CpG adjuvant significantly enhances the cellular immune response.     

日本血吸虫22.6kDa膜相关蛋白Th1型表位的免疫学鉴定

目的鉴定日本血吸虫22.6 kDa膜蛋白（Sj22.6）的Th1型表位,为构建短肽疫苗奠定基础。方法采用合成肽Sj22.6-P4、无关肽（对照）及PBS免疫C57BL/6小鼠2次（间隔7 d）,末次免疫后7～10 d取脾分离单个核细胞,用合成肽Sj22.6-P4、无关肽及PBS刺激培养,3H-TdR掺入法检测淋巴细胞的增殖效果,酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）检测其细胞培养上清中IFNγ-、IL-4及IL-2水平。运用流式细胞技术三色标记法检测经合成肽Sj22.6-P4、无关肽及PBS免疫2次的C57BL/6小鼠脾淋巴细胞内的Th1、Th2细胞因子。结果合成肽Sj22.6-P4可刺激经该抗原肽免疫2次的C57BL/6小鼠淋巴细胞增殖,与PBS组相比,增殖指数（SI）均〉2。与无关肽对照组相比,细胞培养上清中IL-2、IFN-γ分泌水平增高,其中IL-2分泌水平差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,IFN-γ差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,而IL-4分泌水平明显降低（P〈0.05）。合成肽Sj22.6-P4免疫组小鼠脾脏CD4＋T细胞中分泌IFN-γ细胞的百分比显著增高,分泌IL-4细胞的百分比显著降低（P均〈0.05）。结论合成肽Sj22.6-P4是C57BL/6小鼠特异的Th1型表位。     

Altered lymphocyte responses and cytokine production in mice deficient in the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease gene SH2D1A/DSHP/SAP

We have introduced a targeted mutation in SH2D1A/DSHP/SAP, the gene responsible for the human genetic disorder X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP). SLAM-associated protein (SAP)-deficient mice had normal lymphocyte development, but on challenge with infectious agents, recapitulated features of XLP. Infection of SAP- mice with lymphocyte choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) or Toxoplasma gondii was associated with increased T cell activation and IFN-gamma production, as well as a reduction of Ig-secreting cells. Anti-CD3-stimulated splenocytes from uninfected SAP- mice produced increased IFN-gamma and decreased IL-4, findings supported by decreased serum IgE levels in vivo. The Th1 skewing of these animals suggests that cytokine misregulation may contribute to phenotypes associated with mutation of SH2D1A/SAP.     

钥孔戚血蓝蛋白诱导BALB/c小鼠变态反应性肺炎及机制初探

目的 探讨钥孔戚血蓝蛋白(keyhole limpet hemocyanin,KLH)诱导BALB/c小鼠变态反应性肺炎的特点及机制,为深入研究慢性肺部炎症性疾病奠定基础.方法 以KLH免疫BALB/c小鼠,HE染色观察小鼠肺组织病理变化;[3H]TdR法检测脾细胞增殖;流式细胞法检测外周血及脾细胞中CD4+、CD8+T细胞阳性百分率;RT-PCR法检测脾细胞中Th1型细胞因子γ-干扰素(IFN-γ)和Th2型细胞因子白介素4(IL-4)mRNA表达;ELISA法检测脾细胞培养上清中IFN-γ、IL-4含量及血清中Th1型抗体IgG2a和Th2型抗体IgG1水平.结果 ①KLH免疫致小鼠变态反应性肺炎;②KLH免疫促进小鼠脾细胞增殖;③KLH免疫致小鼠CD4+T细胞过度活化;④KLH免疫致小鼠Th2优势反应.结论 KLH免疫使小鼠免疫细胞活化并发生变态反应性肺炎,CD4+T细胞过度活化和Th2优势应答可能参与了其发病过程.     

Alteration of IL-17 related protein expressions in experimental autoimmune myocarditis and inhibition of IL-17 by IL-10-Ig fusion gene transfer.

BACKGROUND: T-helper (Th)1/Th2 cytokine balance plays an important role in the pathogenesis of myocarditis. Recently, some studies indicate that interleukin (IL)-17, known as a T cell (Th17)-derived proinflammatory cytokine, is the major mediator of tissue inflammation in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease; however, the pathogenic role of IL-17 in the development of rat EAM remains largely unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, alterations of IL-17-related protein expressions were investigated and then the effect of hydrodynamic-based delivery of plasmid DNA encoding the IL-10-Ig gene on rat EAM and the effect of IL-10-Ig on IL-17 was evaluated. The results showed that IL-17 was expressed more highly than IFN-gamma expressed by Th1 cells in alphabetaT cells and the peaks of IL-17 related protein expression in the heart were the early phase of EAM. Moreover, we observed that IL-10-Ig gene therapy was effective in controlling EAM and that IL-10-Ig significantly suppressed the expression of IL-17 as well as other proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, in IL-1-stimulated splenocytes cultured from EAM rats. CONCLUSIONS: IL-17 is highly produced by alphabetaT cells in the early phase of EAM hearts and IL-17 inhibition might be a possible mechanism of the amelioration of EAM by IL-10-Ig treatment. These data suggest that IL-17 produced by Th17 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rat EAM.     

刺激原诱导的华支睾吸虫感染大鼠淋巴细胞体外增殖和细胞因子的产生

目的　研究感染华支睾吸虫的大鼠T淋巴细胞对寄生虫抗原或促有丝分裂原植物血凝素刺激后的体外增殖及细胞因子产生的免疫效应。　方法　观察感染华支睾吸虫的大鼠脾淋巴细胞和肠系膜淋巴结细胞 ,在促有丝分裂原PHA ,华支睾吸虫分泌排泄抗原 ,华支睾吸虫成虫粗抗原和异尖线虫幼虫粗抗原刺激下 ,体外淋巴细胞增殖及细胞因子的水平 ,包括IFN γ ,IL 2 ,IL 4,IL 1 0。　结果　肠系膜淋巴结的淋巴细胞增殖高于脾淋巴细胞。淋巴细胞浓度为 3× 1 0 6或 9× 1 0 6 细胞/孔时 ,脾脏和肠系膜淋巴细胞增殖均显著高于对照组 (P <0 .0 1 )。淋巴细胞数为 5× 1 0 6 细胞 /孔 ,刺激原浓度为 5或 1 0 μg/ml时 ,淋巴细胞活化明显。肠系膜淋巴结细胞的细胞因子 ,IFN γ和IL 1 0的产生水平显著增加。　 结论　淋巴细胞浓度 5×1 0 6 细胞/孔和刺激原浓度 1 0 μg/ml的条件为激活T淋巴细胞增殖和细胞因子产生的最适培养条件。华支睾吸虫感染大鼠的成虫分泌排泄抗原在体内可能刺激淋巴细胞增殖和细胞因子产生     

Cytokines and antibody responses during Trypanosoma congolense infections in two inbred mouse strains that differ in resistance

We studied IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma secretion by splenocytes and the plasma levels of different isotypes of antibodies against various antigens of Trypanosoma congolense in highly susceptible BALB/c and relatively resistant C57BL/6 mice during the early course of infection with T. congolense. The patterns of appearance of cytokine spotforming cells in the spleens were essentially similar in the two mouse strains although higher numbers were detected in the spleens of BALB/c than C57BL/6 mice on some days post-infection. However, the amount of IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma secreted into the culture fluids was dramatically different. From day 4 forward, splenocytes from BALB/c mice secreted very high levels of these cytokines. In contrast, splenocytes from infected C57BL/6 mice did not secrete detectable levels of IL-4 throughout the period tested. The secretion of IL-10 and IFN-gamma by C57BL/6 splenocytes only became appreciable on day 6 and was down-regulated by day 8, when the first wave of parasitaemia was being controlled. At days 6-8, splenocytes from infected C57BL/6 mice secreted two-fold higher amounts of IL-12 p40 than those from BALB/c mice. Infected BALB/c mice mounted an earlier IgM antibody response to variant surface glycoprotein (VSG), formalin-fixed T. congolense and whole T. congolense lysates than did infected C57BL/6 mice. However, they failed to make any detectable IgG3 and IgG2a antibody responses to these antigens whereas infected C57BL/6 mice made strong IgG3 and IgG2a responses. We speculate that enhanced resistance against T. congolense infections in mice may be mediated by IL-12 dependent synthesis of IgG2 antibodies to VSG and possibly also common trypanosomal antigens.     

Cellular immune responses and cytokine production in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice during the acute phase of Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection

In our experimental study we were able to show that the contrasting outcome of Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, in respect of morbidity and mortality, can be explained by divergent cellular immune responses and a different cytokine pattern in each strain. In BALB/c mice (i.e. those with high mortality), the initial high proliferation of ConA or LPS stimulated spleen cells dropped to very low levels after 2 weeks post-infection (p.i.), whereas in C57BL/6 mice (i.e. those with low mortality), only a minor reduction in lymphoproliferative responses after mitogenic stimulation was observed. The specific proliferation of spleen cells after stimulation with A. costaricensis adult worm antigen remained low in BALB/c mice throughout the experiment, but showed an augmented proliferation in C57BL/6 mice, especially from 2 weeks p.i. onwards. The mitogen-induced production of Th2-type cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10) in spleen cell cultures remained low in BALB/c mice until 4 weeks p.i., but production of Th1-type cytokines (IL-2, IFN-gamma) was highly elevated at 14 and 28 days p.i. In C57BL/6 mice, an upregulated and balanced production of both Th1- and Th2-type cytokines was measured during the course of infection. In summary, a polarization of the immune response towards cellular hyporesponsiveness and a predominantly Th1 cytokine profile was observed in A. costaricensis infected BALB/c mice, which may contribute to pathogenesis and increased morbidity.     

Role for CTLA-4 but not CD25+ T cells during Schistosoma mansoni infection of mice

Schistosoma mansoni infection of mice increases the frequency of cells that are CD4+ CD25+ in the acute (4 and 8 weeks) and chronic (16 week) stages of infection. Depletion of > 85% of CD25+ cells in the acute or chronic stages of schistosome infection caused no overt changes in morbidity or immunological responses. The absence of effect in mice with CD25+ cells depleted may be due to the preferential expression of IL-4 and IL-10, two cytokines that are protective in schistosome infection, on CD25- CD4+ cells. We also assessed infection-induced changes of other regulatory markers, GITR, CD103 and CTLA-4 on CD4+ cells. We identified a marked expansion of CTLA-4+ population on CD25- CD4+ cells in acute and chronic infection. Blocking of CTLA-4 during acute, but not chronic infection, caused significant weight loss and altered the type 2 cytokine response of mice, with increased IL-4 and IL-5 production associated with significantly more Th2 cells and eosinophils in the liver granuloma. This study illustrates the complexity of regulation of T cells in schistosome infection and highlights a specific role for CTLA-4+, but not CD25+ cells, in the regulation of Th2 responses in helminth infection.