Regulatory T Cells and Schistosomiasis
Author Information
Author(s): Joseph D. Turner, Gavin R. Jenkins, Karen G. Hogg, Sarah A. Aynsley, Ross A. Paveley, Peter C. Cook, Mark C. Coles, Adrian P. Mountford
Primary Institution: Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, The University of York, York, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells control Th2 colonic granulomas during chronic schistosomiasis.
Conclusion
CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs help regulate Th2 inflammation and fibrosis in the colon during chronic schistosomiasis.
Supporting Evidence
- CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs increased in the mesenteric lymph nodes during chronic infection.
- Depletion of CD25+ cells led to larger granulomas and increased Th2 responses.
- Transfer of schistosome-expanded Tregs reduced granuloma size in recipient mice.
Takeaway
Some special cells in our body, called Tregs, help keep our intestines healthy when we have a certain kind of worm infection.
Methodology
The study used a murine model of Schistosoma mansoni infection to analyze the role of Tregs in regulating colonic inflammation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the interpretation of Treg functions due to the experimental model used.
Limitations
The study primarily used a murine model, which may not fully replicate human responses.
Participant Demographics
Mice were used in the study, specifically C57BL/6 and hCD2-VaDsRed-B.6 strains.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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