Persistence of anti-donor allohelper T cells after neonatal induction of allotolerance in mice

BALB/c mice rendered tolerant to A/J alloantigens by neonatal injection of 10(8) (A/J X BALB/c)F1 spleen cells develop an autoimmune disease associated with a polyclonal activation of donor B cells. To study the mechanisms leading to donor B cell activation in tolerant mice, we prepared mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) between splenic T cells from neonatally injected mice and donor-type (A/J X BALB/c)F1 or third-party (C57BL/6 X BALB/c)F1 B cells. T cells from tolerized mice were unable to generate cytotoxic T lymphocytes, to proliferate or to secrete interleukin (IL)2 after stimulation with donor alloantigens in MLC. These T cell responses were present after MLC with third-party antigens, but were of lower intensity than those generated by control BALB/c T cells. In contrast, T cells from tolerized mice stimulated immunoglobulin production by donor-type (A/J X BALB/c)F1 B cells much more powerfully than T cells from control BALB/c mice. The stimulation of donor-type (A/J X BALB/c)F1 B cells was polyclonal, as attested by the levels of anti-hapten and anti-DNA antibodies in the MLC supernatants. IgM was the dominant isotype secreted in vitro, but IgG1 and IgG3 were also produced in significant amounts. Lysis experiments indicated that the T cells responsible for F1 B cell stimulation in MLC were CD4+ host T cells. These T helper cells were alloreactive since they did not stimulate syngeneic BALB/c B cells, and their effect on donor B cells was specifically blocked by anti-donor Ia monoclonal antibodies. Addition of anti-IL 4 monoclonal antibody to MLC between T cells from tolerant mice and (A/J X BALB/c)F1 B cells almost completely abolished the production of IgG1, but not that of IgM or IgG3. Taken together, these findings indicate that neonatal injection of alloantigens in BALB/c mice induces a state of dissociated tolerance, with unresponsiveness of anti-donor T cells secreting IL 2 on the one hand, and persistence of T cells responsible for B cell help and IL 4 secretion on the other hand.     

Expansion of regulatory CD8+ CD25+ T cells after neonatal alloimmunization

Transplantation tolerance induced by neonatal injection of semi-allogeneic spleen cells is associated with a pathological syndrome caused by T helper type 2 (Th2) differentiation of donor-specific CD4(+) T lymphocytes. We have shown previously that this Th2-biased response is inhibited by host CD8(+) T cells. Herein, we demonstrate that upon neonatal immunization with (A/J × BALB/c)F(1) spleen cells, BALB/c mice expand a population of CD8(+) T cells expressing both CD25 and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) markers. In this setting, CD8(+) CD25(+) T cells predominantly produce interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 and are efficient in controlling IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 production by donor-specific CD4(+) T cells in vitro. CD8(+) FoxP3(-) T cells are single producers of IFN-γ or IL-10, whereas CD8(+) FoxP3(+) T cells are double producers of IFN-γ and IL-10. We further demonstrate that IFN-γ and IL-10 are two major cytokines produced by CD8(+) T cells involved in the in vivo regulation of Th2-type pathology. In this setting, we conclude that neonatal alloimmunization induces the expansion of several regulatory CD8(+) T cells which may control Th2 activities via IFN-γ and IL-10.     

Anti-LFA-1 (CD11a) monoclonal antibody interferes with neonatal induction of tolerance to alloantigens

The injection of (C57BL/6 × BALB/c)F1 spleen cells into newborn BALB/c mice results in the induction of a specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) tolerance to the alloantigens. On the contrary, alloreactive CD4⁺ T cells persist in the host and are still able to activate autoreactive F1 B cells to produce autoantibodies. This state of “split tolerance” is closely associated with the development of a lupus-like autoimmune syndrome. The LFA-1 integrin plays a relevant role in homing, intercellular adhesion and tranduction of co-stimulatory signals in leukocytes. Because of the beneficial effects of anti-LFA-1 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) treatment in various models of organ transplantation and autoimmune disease, we have investigated if such a treatment could interfere with the induction of neonatal tolerance or the development of the autoimmune syndrome in F1 cell-injected newborn mice. For this purpose, BALB/c mice neonatally injected with F1 cells were treated from day 1 up to day 15 with a non-cytotoxic anti-LFA-1 (CD11a) mAb. Anti-LFA-1 mAb treatment interfered with the persistence of a stable chimerism and with the establishment of CTL tolerance, as shown by rejection of allogeneic skin grafts and F1 B cells, and by a normal in vitro CTL activity against the corresponding alloantigens. As a consequence, these mice did not develop the characteristic autoimmune features seen in close association with an effective induction of CTL tolerance to alloantigens. These results stress the importance of the interactions between LFA-1 and its ligands during the neonatal induction of tolerance to alloantigens.     

IL-10 gene modified dendritic cells inhibit T helper type 1-mediated alloimmune responses and promote immunological tolerance in diabetes

Dendritic cells （DCs） have the potency to regulate the outcome of autoimmunity through the modulation of immune responses. The induction of antigen specific tolerance is critical for prevention and treatment of allograft rejection. In the present Study, we transfected IL-10 gene into DCs and investigated their effect on inhibition of lymphocyte activity in vitro and induction of immune tolerance on islet allograft in mice. An IDDM C57BL/6 mouse model was induced by streptozotocin. The islet cells isolated from the BALB/c mice were transplanted into the kidney capules of the model mice followed by injection of IL-10 modified DCs （mDCs）. The results showed that mDCs could significantly inhibit T lymphocyte proliferation mediated by allotype cells and induce its apoptosis, whereas, unmodified DCs （umDCs） could promote the murine lymphocyte proliferation markedly. The injection of mDCs could prolong the survival of allotype islet transplanted IDDM mice. The average plasma glucose （PG） level in mDCs treated mice returned to normal within 3 days and lasted for about 2 weeks. The rejection response in control mice occurred for 5 days after transplantation. The level of IFN-γ was lower while IL-4 was higher in mDCs treated mice than that in umDCs treated mice, which indicated that Thl/Th2 deviation occurred. Our studies suggest that IL-10 gene modified DCs can induce the immune tolerance to islet graft and prolong survival of the recipients by the inhibiting of T cell proliferation in allotype mice. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology.     

Susceptibility of neonatal T cells and adult thymocytes to peripheral tolerance to allogeneic stimuli

We studied the tolerization of neonatal thymocytes (NT), neonatal splenocytes (NS) and adult thymocytes (AT), transferred to syngeneic nude (nu/nu) hosts previously injected with semi-allogeneic splenocytes, without any supportive immunosuppressive treatment. This protocol allows the study of peripheral tolerance in the absence of the thymus. BALB/c neonatal T cells and ATs were able to expand in syngeneic BALB/c nu/nu mice and functionally reconstituted an allogeneic response, rejecting (BALB/c x B6.Ba) F1 splenocytes transferred 3-4 weeks after injection of BALB/c cells. However, if (BALB/c x B6.Ba) F1 cells were injected into BALB/c nude hosts 30 days before transfer of NT, NS or AT cells, the F1 population was preserved and specific tolerance to B6 allografts was established. Furthermore, transfer to lymphopenic F1 nu/nu showed that tolerance could be established only for neonatal populations, showing that unique properties of neonatal T cells allow their tolerization in both lymphopenic and non-lymphopenic conditions, in the absence of suppressive immunotherapy. These results bring empirical support to the possibility of T-cell engraftment in immunodeficient patients showing partial identity with donor major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes; the manipulation of immunological maturity of donor T cells may be the key for successful reconstitution of immunocompetence without induction of graft-versus-host disease.     

B cell apoptosis accelerates the onset of murine lupus

To investigate whether the increased rate of lymphocyte apoptosis in systemic lupus erythematosus is involved in the onset of the disease, apoptotic or necrotic T or B lymphocytes from various cell lines were injected intraperitoneally into pre-autoimmune (NZBxNZW)F1 mice (BW) and non-autoimmune BALB/c mice. The intraperitoneal production of cytokines and chemokines, the specific T cell response in the spleen, and the production of anti-histone and anti-dsDNA Ab were investigated. The onset of the disease was characterized by creatinine levels and evaluation of glomerular IgG deposits. In BW, but not in BALB/c mice, injection of apoptotic and not necrotic cells up-regulated IL-6 and IL-10 in resident macrophages. Administration of apoptotic cells augmented the number of Th2 and B lymphocytes recruited in the peritoneal cavity. Only the treatment with apoptotic B cells promoted a systemic Th2 autoimmune response to H2 histones, associated with earlier occurrence of high levels of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies, higher creatinine levels and more numerous glomerular IgG deposits than in BW controls not injected with apoptotic B cells. In genetically susceptible mice exposure to apoptotic of B, but not T, lymphocytes can elicit a Th2 response to H2 histones that helps B cell production of anti-dsDNA Ab and finally triggers the onset of lupus.     

Maintenance of IL-12-responsive CD4+ T cells during a Th2 response in Leishmania major-infected mice

BALB/c and anti-IL-12-treated C3H mice infected with Leishmania major develop a Th2 cell response. However, in contrast to BALB/c mice, C3H mice treated transiently with an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody switch from a Th2 to a Th1 response and resolve their lesions once treatment is terminated. We report here that the critical difference in the Th2 response between BALB/c and C3H mice is in their ability to respond to IL-12. Thus, C3H mice with a Th2 response maintain a CD4+ T cell population that expresses IL-12 receptor beta1 and beta2 mRNA and produces IFN-gamma after exposure to IL-12. These results indicate that Th2 cell populations from different genetic backgrounds differ in their stability, and that this difference can be related to differential regulation of the IL-12 receptor.     

Influence of mycophenolate mofetil （MMF） upon the maturation and allo-stimulatory activity of cultured progenitors of dendritic cells and the effects on the tolerance induction in allograft recipients

Dendritic cells (DCs) are highly potent antigenpresenting cells of bone marrow origin that canstimulate both primary and secondary T and B cell responses [1]. These cells have every neces sary component for potent antigen presenting functions, including the production of a variety of im portant immunostimulatory cytokines and the ex pression of critical cell surface molecules. De pending on their level of maturity, DCs expressprominent levels of MHC classⅠand classⅡm…     

An in vitro model for infection with Leishmania major that mimics the immune response in mice.

By using a primary in vitro response specific for Leishmania major, normal T cells from resistant CBA/CaH-T6J and susceptible BALB/c mice commit to a Th1 and a Th2 response, respectively. Since commitment occurred, we measured the production of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-12, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), and nitric oxide in the first 7 days of the response to identify factors that are critical for Th1 and Th2 development. While cells from resistant CBA mice produced more IFN-gamma, IL-10, and nitric oxide, cells from susceptible BALB/c mice produced more IL-1alpha, IL-5, PGE2, and TGF-beta. Although substantial amounts of IL-12 were detected, IL-12 did not associate with either Th1 or Th2 development. We did not anticipate that cells from resistant CBA mice would make more IL-10 in vitro. However, this also occurred in vivo since CBA mice produced substantial amounts of IL-10 following infection with L. major. Moreover, adding anti-IL-10 to primary in vitro responses enhanced production of IFN-gamma and nitric oxide by cells from CBA and BALB/c mice. Therefore, IL-10 cannot be regarded as a cytokine that associates with susceptibility to infection with L. major. Finally, the data presented here suggest that a collection of factors that can be produced by accessory cells influence Th commitment (e.g., IL-1, PGE2, and TGF-beta favor Th2 development).     

Beryllium, an adjuvant that promotes gamma interferon production

Beryllium is associated with a human pulmonary granulomatosis characterized by an accumulation of CD4(+) T cells in the lungs and a heightened specific lymphocyte proliferative response to beryllium (Be) with gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) release (i.e., a T helper 1 [Th1] response). While an animal model of Be sensitization is not currently available, Be has exhibited adjuvant effects in animals. The effects of Be on BALB/c mice immunized with soluble leishmanial antigens (SLA) were investigated to determine if Be had adjuvant activity for IFN-gamma production, an indicator of the Th1 response. In this strain of Leishmania-susceptible BALB/c mice, a Th2 response is normally observed after in vivo SLA sensitization and in vitro restimulation with SLA. If interleukin-12 (IL-12) is given during in vivo sensitization with SLA, markedly increased IFN-gamma production and decreased IL-4 production are detected. We show here that when beryllium sulfate (BeSO(4)) was added during in vivo sensitization of BALB/c mice with SLA and IL-12, significantly increased IFN-gamma production and decreased IL-4 production from lymph node and spleen cells were detected upon in vitro SLA restimulation. No specific responses were observed to Be alone. Lymph node and spleen cells from all mice proliferated strongly and comparably upon in vitro restimulation with SLA and with SLA plus Be; no differences were noted among groups of mice that received different immunization regimens. In vivo, when Be was added to SLA and IL-12 for sensitization of BALB/c mice, more effective control of Leishmania infection was achieved. This finding has implications for understanding not only the development of granulomatous reactions but also the potential for developing Be as a vaccine adjuvant.     

B淋巴细胞在抗CD45RB抗体诱导的移植免疫耐受中的作用

 目的: 探讨B淋巴细胞在抗CD45RB抗体诱导的移植免疫耐受中的作用。方法: 抗CD45RB抗体对BALB/c裸鼠进行预处理后制备脾脏单细胞悬液,与BALB/c小鼠T淋巴细胞和C57BL/6小鼠脾细胞混合培养,流式细胞术分析Th1、Th2、Treg和Tm淋巴细胞。以B6.μMT^-/-小鼠为受体、BALB/c小鼠为供体建立皮肤移植模型,移植后向受体鼠腹腔注射抗CD45RB单抗,监测脾淋巴细胞CD3⁺CD45RB^hi细胞比例。在混合淋巴培养过程中加入抗CD45RB单抗,分离B细胞,建立以BALB/c小鼠为供体、B6.μMT^-/-小鼠为受体的心脏移植模型,通过尾静脉注射B细胞给B6.μMT^-/-小鼠,观察受体鼠生存期和B细胞分布。结果: 在裸鼠体内用抗CD45RB抗体处理过的B淋巴细胞,与T淋巴细胞混合培养时,可使Treg和Th2淋巴细胞比例明显升高,Th1淋巴细胞的比例明显下降,Tm细胞无明显变化。在体内B淋巴细胞缺失的情况下,抗CD45RB抗体依然能够降低T细胞表面CD45RB的表达,与对照组B淋巴细胞存在组相比,抗CD45RB抗体对T淋巴细胞表面CD45RB下调更为快速,但最终CD3⁺CD45RB^hi T细胞比例无明显变化。体外抗CD45RB抗体处理过的B淋巴细胞可以延长受体鼠的生存时间。B6.μMT^-/-鼠在接受抗CD45RB抗体处理的B细胞并进行同种异体心脏移植后,B细胞可向胸腺迁移。结论: 在抗CD45RB抗体诱导的免疫耐受中,B淋巴细胞可能通过介导各T淋巴细胞亚群比例发挥着重要作用,且在中枢耐受中也起到一定作用,但是仅靠B淋巴细胞无法形成完全耐受。     

Autoimmune syndrome after induction of neonatal tolerance to alloantigens: analysis of the role of donor T cells in the induction of autoimmunity.

The injection of (C57BL/6 x BALB/c) F1 spleen cells into BALB/c newborn mice leads to activation of persisting F1 donor B cells and development of a lupus-like syndrome in tolerized BALB/c mice. This syndrome is characterized by hypergammaglobulinaemia, high levels of anti-DNA and anti-Sm antibodies, circulating immune complexes and deposits of immunoglobulin in renal glomeruli. The role of donor T cells in this model was investigated by injecting the newborn mice with F1 cells depleted in different T cell subsets by using specific monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). Tolerance, as shown by an absence of H-2b-specific CTL alloreactivity and persistence of immunoglobulin bearing the donor allotype were observed in mice injected with F1 cells previously depleted in the CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cell subsets as well as in those which received Thy-1+-depleted F1 spleen cells. In these mice, a typical autoimmune syndrome was found, including splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy, anti-ssDNA and anti-aortic myosin IgG antibodies and renal deposition of immunoglobulin. However, some quantitative changes were seen: the levels of anti-aortic myosin antibodies were lower in mice tolerized with CD4+-depleted F1 cells than in those receiving untreated F1 cells. Conversely, higher levels of these autoantibodies were observed in mice tolerized with CD8+-depleted F1 cells. These results suggest that mature donor T cells are not necessary neither for the establishment of neonatal tolerance to alloantigens nor for the activation of F1 donor B cells in the production of the autoimmune syndrome in tolerant mice, but they may contribute in the regulation of the expression of autoreactive B cell clones.     

Self-priming cell culture system for monitoring genetically-controlled spontaneous cytokine-producing ability in mice

To monitor genetically-controlled cytokine-producing ability in mice in vitro, we developed a high-density cell culture system, which is preferable for inducing CD4+ T cell-dependent self-priming responses without any antigenic stimulation. When BALB/c spleen cells were cultured at high density (over 1.0 x 10(7) cells/well) in 12-well culture plate, they spontaneously produced cytokines including IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-3, IL-5 and IL-6. The spontaneous cytokine production in this self-priming cell culture (SPCC) system was totally dependent on MHC class II-restricted CD4+ T cells. It was demonstrated that Th2-type BALB/c background mice exhibited higher levels of spontaneous cytokine production in SPCC culture compared with Th1-type C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, using BALB/c x C57BL/6 F1 mice and B10D2 congenic mice, it was demonstrated that highly spontaneous cytokine-producing ability in BALB/c background is genetically dominant and it is controlled by non-MHC genes. Unexpectedly, BALB/c mice spontaneously produced higher levels of IL-2 and IFN-gamma than C57BL/6 mice. However, BALB/c mice revealed lower levels of CTL and NK cell-generation in SPCC system compared with C57BL/6 mice. These results suggested that genetically-controlled predisposition of BALB/c mice toward Th2 immunity appeared not to be derived from their poor IFN-gamma-producing ability but rather derived from their poor responsiveness to IFN-gamma.     

Completely allogeneic spleen cells induced cytolytic neonatal tolerance to alloantigens,but failed to establish allo-helper interactions with host T cells.

The injection of spleen cells from F1 mice into-newborns from a parental strain results in the establishment of cytolytic tolerance to donor alloantigens and the development of a lupus-like disease. This syndrome is the consequence of the recognition by alloreactive host CD4+ T cells of discordant major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens on semi-allogeneic donor B cells. We have analysed whether completely allogeneic spleen cells are as able as semi-allogeneic spleen cells to induce cytolytic tolerance to donor alloantigens and to co-operate with alloreactive T cells for autoantibody production. BALB/c mice were injected at birth with Thy-1-depleted spleen cells from (C57BL/6 x BALB/c)F1 or C57BL/6 mice, either alone or in combination. Cytolytic tolerance was always induced, as manifested by persistence of chimerism and acceptance of skin allografts. However, only F1 semi-allogeneic B cells were activated by alloreactive host T cells to produce anti-DNA IgG antibody. The deficient co-operation between BALB/c CD4+ T cells and completely allogeneic C57BL/6 B cells was confirmed after neonatal injection of (C57BL/ 6 x BALB/c)F1(Igha) spleen cells together with C57BL/6(Ighb) spleen cells. These mice developed anti-DNA antibodies bearing only the Igha allotype. Similar results were observed in experiments of allogeneic interaction in vitro, in which BALB/c CD4+ T cells were cocultured with either (C57BL/6 x BALB/c)F1 or C57BL/6 B cells. The present results demonstrate that completely allogeneic spleen cells efficiently induced cytolytic unresponsiveness to donor alloantigens, but B cells contained in this spleen cell population were unable to establish allo-helper interactions with alloreactive CD4+ T cells, suggesting that cytolytic and helper T-cell interactions involved in alloreactivity may be different.     

Identification of two distinct subpopulations of Leishmania major-specific T helper 2 cells

It is widely accepted that a strong Th2 response is responsible for nonhealing Leishmania major infections in BALB/c mice. This Th2 response has been thoroughly documented by measuring the levels of Th2 cytokines produced by CD4(+) T cells present in the lymphoid organs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PCR. However, the cytokine profile of L. major-specific Th2 cells has never been determined. In this study, we used the recently described Th2 marker T1/ST2 to characterize Th2 cells during the course of nonhealing L. major infection. We analyzed the intracellular cytokine profile of CD4(+) T1/ST2(+) T cells and showed that they clearly displayed a Th2 phenotype, as they expressed interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-10, and IL-5. In addition, we detected another population of Th2 cells among the CD4(+) T1/ST2(-) T cells that expressed IL-4 and IL-10 but excluded IL-5. In summary, we show here that two type 2 subpopulations are present in the lymphoid organs of L. major-infected BALB/c mice; Th2 cells from both subsets expressed IL-4 and IL-10, but they could be distinguished by their expression of IL-5 and T1/ST2.     

Interleukin-18 plays a role in both the alum-induced T helper 2 response and the T helper 1 response induced by alum-adsorbed interleukin-12

Previous studies have shown that the antigen-specific T helper 2 (Th2) response induced by alum adjuvants is interleukin (IL)-4 independent. As a role for IL-18 in Th2 induction has recently been described, in addition to its role in enhancing Th1 responses, we have studied the Th2 response induced by ovalbumin (OVA) adsorbed to alum in wild-type and IL-18-deficient mice. Our results indicate that while endogenous IL-18 facilitates alum-induced IL-4 production, OVA-specific immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgE production remain unaffected. Furthermore, antigen-specific Th1 responses induced with alum/IL-12-adsorbed OVA were demonstrated to be highly IL-18 dependent. Despite these observations, injection of BALB/c mice with exogenous IL-18 adsorbed to alum/OVA did not alter IL-4 or interferon-gamma production by T cells and had little effect on the relative production of IgG1/IgG2a antibody subclasses compared with alum/OVA inoculated mice. However, the previously described synergism between IL-12 and IL-18 in Th1 induction was evident as the Th1-promoting activity of alum/IL-12 against adsorbed OVA was greatly augmented by the coadministration of IL-18. These results indicate that while alum-induced IL-18 can facilitate Th2 induction, the addition of exogenous IL-18 cannot further enhance the alum-induced Th2 response.     

Potentiality of interleukin-18 as a useful reagent for treatment and prevention of Leishmania major infection

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in natural killer cell activation and the T helper 1 (Th1) cell response, particularly in collaboration with IL-12. Since Th1 cells play a pivotal role in the host defense against infection with intracellular microbes, such as Leishmania major, we investigated whether IL-18 is critically involved in protection against L. major infection by activation of Th1 cells. We administered IL-12 and/or IL-18 daily to L. major-susceptible BALB/c mice. Neither IL-12 (10 ng/mouse) nor IL-18 (1,000 ng/mouse) induced wound healing, while daily injection of IL-12 and IL-18 during the first week after infection strongly protected the mice from footpad swelling by induction and activation of Th1 cells. Furthermore, these mice acquired protective immunity. We also investigated a protective role of endogenous IL-18 by using anti-IL-18 antibody-treated C3H/HeN mice (an L. major-resistant strain) or IL-18 deficient (IL-18(-/-)) mice with a resistant background (C57BL/6). We found that in the absence of endogenous IL-18, these mice showed prolonged footpad swelling as well as diminished nitric oxide production. However, daily injection of IL-18 into IL-18(-/-) mice corrected their deficiencies, suggesting that these mice have Th1 cells that produce gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) in response to IL-18. Indeed, these mice had normal levels of Th1 cells. Thus, IL-18 is not responsible for inducing Th1 cells but participates in host resistance by its action in stimulating Th1 cells to produce IFN-gamma. Our results also indicate the high potentiality of IL-18 as a useful reagent for treatment as well as prevention against reinfection.     

Interleukin-12 is indispensable for protective immunity against Leishmania major.

Interleukin-12 (IL-12)-deficient mice derived from a strain genetically resistant to infection with Leishmania major were recently shown to be susceptible toward this parasite, developing a strong Th2 response after injection of a large number of parasites. We further investigated the role of IL-12 in L. major infection by studying the responses of mutant mice against smaller numbers of parasites. IL-12-deficient mice infected with only small numbers of parasites showed the progressive lesion development and high parasite burden associated with a polarized Th2 response. Our data show that IL-12 is indispensable for protective immunity against L. major. Even at low inocula, no salvage pathway appears to compensate for the lack of IL-12. However, genetically susceptible BALB/c mice infected with small numbers of parasites were able to resolve lesions and restrict the parasite burden to levels which were 10(5)-fold lower than those in IL-12-deficient mice. In contrast to mutant mice, BALB/c mice mounted a type 1 response against low inocula of L. major. IL-12-deficient BALB/c mice, however, developed a type 2 response. These data emphasize the essential role of IL-12 in resistance against L. major. In addition, this study suggests that in the absence of IL-12, susceptibility to L. major is determined by the inability to induce a Th1 response rather than the development of a Th2 response. Our results are relevant for potential vaccination strategies that use low inocula of infective microorganisms which fail to induce a protective type 1 response at higher inocula.