Shift from an early protective Th1-type immune response to a late permissive Th2-type response in murine cysticercosis (Taenia crassiceps)

J Parasitol. 1998 Feb;84(1):74-81.

Abstract

In early stages of experimental murine cysticercosis caused by Taenia crassiceps, there is a clear but transient Th1-type immune response (characterized by high levels of interleukin [IL]-2, interferon-gamma, concanavalin A, and antigen specific response, delayed-type hypersensitivity, and immunoglobulin [Ig]G2a antibodies) that associates with a low rate of parasite reproduction. As time of infection progresses an energic and more permanent Th2-type response follows (characterized by high levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IgG2b, and IgG1 antibodies) that in turn associates with an increment in the rate of parasite reproduction. The sequential activation of Th1-type and Th2-type responses in murine cysticercosis would appear to favor progressively parasite reproduction, explaining the long time residence and the massive parasite intensity reached in chronic infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, Helminth / immunology
  • Cysticercosis / immunology*
  • Cysticercus / growth & development
  • Cysticercus / immunology*
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis*
  • Female
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-10 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-2 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-4 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-6 / biosynthesis
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Antigens, Helminth
  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma