Is the induction of apoptosis the mechanism of the protective effects of TNFα in helminth infection? |
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| Authors: | PAUL GARSIDE WILIAM A SANDS JOHN R KUSEL PAUL HAGAN |
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| Institution: | Department of Immunology; Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK |
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| Abstract: | Tumour necrosis factorα has been implicated in protective immune responses to a number of parasitic helminths. However, the final effector mechanisms resulting in death or expulsion of the parasite are unclear. Here we suggest that, by employing phylogenetically conserved mechanisms, the mammalian immune system is able to interfere with helminth development directly and that the protective effects of TNFα in helminth infections may operate via the induction of parasite apoptosis. |
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| Keywords: | apoptosis TNFα helminth |
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