How Multiple Helminth Infections Affect Immune Responses in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Cook Peter C., Aynsley Sarah A., Turner Joseph D., Jenkins Gavin R., Van Rooijen Nico, Leeto Mosiuoa, Brombacher Frank, Mountford Adrian P.
Primary Institution: Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, The University of York, York, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Repeated exposure to schistosome cercariae modulates the skin immune response and induces hypo-responsiveness in lymphocytes.
Conclusion
Multiple infections with schistosome larvae lead to a weakened immune response in mice, particularly affecting CD4+ lymphocytes.
Supporting Evidence
- Multiple exposures to schistosome cercariae cause CD4+ cell hypo-responsiveness in the draining lymph node.
- Cells from multiply infected mice produced significantly lower levels of IL-4 compared to singly infected mice.
- Repeated infections led to a significant increase in eosinophils in the skin.
Takeaway
When mice get infected with the same type of worm multiple times, their immune system doesn't work as well, making it harder for them to fight off the worms.
Methodology
Mice were infected with schistosome cercariae multiple times, and immune responses were measured in skin and lymph nodes.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in interpreting immune responses due to the specific mouse strains used.
Limitations
The study primarily used a mouse model, which may not fully replicate human immune responses.
Participant Demographics
Female C57BL/6 mice aged 8–12 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website