Lack of Interferon-γ Receptor does not Influence the Outcome of Infection in Murine Schistosomiasis mansoni

Studies of vaccine-induced immunity in experimental schistosomiasis in mice have suggested that interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is an important factor for the induction of protective immunity against schistosomiasis. The present study compares some parameters during primary schistosome infection in IFN-γ receptor deficient mice and wild type mice. No significant difference in worm burden between the two groups was found. Almost the same number of eggs in the liver as well as typical granulomas with numerous macrophages and eosinophils were observed in both groups of mice. Furthermore, IFN-γ receptor deficient mice infected with S. mansoni displayed a significant reduction in the number of IgG2a secreting cells in the spleen and a significant enhancement of IgA secreting cells in the spleen and in the lungs. These findings suggest that the lack of IFN-γ activity may result in an enhanced dominance of Th2 cells which, however, does not influence the development of a primary schistosome infection.