Responses to infection with metazoan and protozoan parasites in mice

How to eliminate taeniasis/cysticercosis: porcine vaccination and human chemotherapy (Part 2)

BACKGROUND

The application of effective vaccines against pig cysticercosis and mass chemotherapy against pig cysticercosis and human taeniasis have shown the feasibility of interrupting the parasite's life cycle in endemic areas.

METHODS

A mathematical model that divides the population into susceptible, infected, and vaccinated individuals is formulated. The model is based upon the life cycle of the parasite. Computer numerical simulation experiments to evaluate the impact of pig vaccination under different vaccination schedules, and combined intervention strategies including pig vaccination and anthelmintic treatment against human taeniasis are carried out.

RESULTS

Vaccination against either pig cysticercosis or against human taeniasis will influence the transmission dynamics not only among vaccinees but also the dynamics of the other hosts as well. When the protective efficacy and/or the coverage rate is less than 100%, different mass interventions like vaccinating the pig population twice in combination with chemotherapeutic treatment against human taeniasis, the elimination of the infection in both pigs and humans can also be achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

Our mathematical model has the potential for planning, and designing effective intervention strategies including both mass vaccination and/or chemotherapeutic treatment to eliminate pig cysticercosis, human taeniasis and human neurocysticercosis. The model can be adapted to any given community with mild, moderate endemicity, or even in hyperendemic regions.

Host life-history variation in response to parasitism

Over half of all living species of plants and animals are parasitic, which by definition involves intimate association with and unfavourable impact on hosts (Price, 1980). This paper will only consider parasites whose ‘unfavourable impact’ adversely affects the birth and/or mortality rates of their hosts (Anderson, 1978). Most organisms are potential hosts and must deal with the problem of parasitism. The probability of parasitic infection of a host is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Traditionally it was assumed that a host was either resistant or susceptible to a particular parasite and therefore the interaction between a parasite and potential host had only two possible outcomes: either the resistant host rebuffed the parasitic attack and remained uninfected or the parasite successfully invaded and significantly reduced the reproductive success of the susceptible host. This approach, however, ignored the intraspecific genetic variation present within both host and parasite populations (Wakelin, 1978). Since the outcome is determined by the interaction of a finite set of host genes and parasite genes, genetic variation in host susceptibility and parasite infectivity (Richards, 1976; Wakelin, 1978) suggests that more than two outcomes are possible. Variation in host and parasite genomes does not begin and end at the susceptibility/infectivity loci. Other genes may also influence the outcome of host–parasite interactions by altering the life-history patterns of hosts and parasites, and lead to a variety of outcomes.

Atopy, helminths, and cancer

There are two hypotheses for the primary function of the T(H)/IgE system: protection against helminths that 'spills over' into inappropriate allergic responses in the modern environment, or protection from a variety of environmental carcinogens and infectious diseases that is adaptive even today. We suggest that rather than being alternatives, these two hypotheses fit into a single causal framework. Atopic responses to helminths kill, inhibit, or expel the parasites, thereby reducing their debilitating effects, the most serious of which is bladder cancer. The ultimate (evolutionary) reason for the T(H)2/IgE system may be minimizing chances that multiple biotic and abiotic hazards and carcinogens will enter the body; in some tropical areas, helminths are the major proximate (immediate) triggers of this response.

Strongyloides venezuelensis infection susceptibility of seven inbred strains of mice

A trial was carried out to investigate the susceptibility of seven strains of mice to Strongyloides venezuelensis primary and secondary experimental infections, in order to provide the basis for genetic studies about resistance. Twelve six-week-old male inbred mice of the A/J, BALB/c, CBA/J, C3H/Hepos, C57BL/6, DBA/2 and NIH strains were infected s.c. with 2000 infective larvae. The mean worm counts (± SD) in the small intestine six days after infection were, in increasing order: 28 (± 19) in NIH; 647 (± 228) in BALB/c; 709 (± 425) in DBA/2; 731 (± 151) in C3H/Hepos, 801 (± 174) in CBA/J; 1024 (± 267) in C57BL/6 and 1313 (± 483) in A/J. C57BL/6 mice showed the highest fecal egg counts and NIH, the lowest. No eggs in fecal exams or nematodes in small intestines were recovered from animals reinfected 14 days after primary infection. NIH strain was highly resistant to primary infection by S. venezuelensis. The most susceptible of the other six strains appeared to be the C57BL/6 strain which presented a high nematode counting in intestine and the highest egg output.

Interferon-gamma and interleukin-12 genes are preferentially expressed during early experimental African trypanosomiasis and suppressed by denervation of the spleen

The cross talk between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system includes among others, the modulation of immune responses by the autonomic nervous system. Here, we investigated the effects of a splenic denervation on cytokine induction in early experimental African trypanosomiasis. Profiles of the cytokine mRNA expression for interleukin (IL)-4, interleukin (IL)-6, interleukin (IL)-10, interleukin (IL)-12, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-beta, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and interferon (IFN)-gamma were examined at 4 h, 8 h and 12 h postinfection (p.i.), and in noninfected controls. Only IFN-gamma and IL-12 were significantly expressed over noninfected controls. Already at 4 h p.i. both cytokines were expressed and showed more increased levels at 12 h. Sympathetic denervation of the spleen markedly reduced the mRNA expression for both IFN-gamma and IL-12. Con A was used as a positive control and showed an enhanced mRNA expression, which was also suppressed by a splenic denervation. To demonstrate that the mRNA expression had resulted in a cytokine production, we looked for the protein level of IFN-gamma at 4 h p.i. by immunohistochemistry and found increased levels of IFN-gamma, which was also inhibited by the denervation. Sham-operated animals exhibited similar responses as the nondenervated controls. Our data present for the first time very early kinetics for a cytokine gene expression during an experimental African trypanosomiasis. Furthermore, the data suggest a regulatory role for the autonomic nervous system on cytokine responses at both the mRNA and the protein levels.

Immunological modulation and evasion by helminth parasites in human populations

Helminth parasites are highly prevalent in human communities in developing countries. In an endemic area an infected individual may harbour parasitic worms for most of his or her life, and the ability of these infections to survive immunological attack has long been a puzzle. But new techniques are starting to expose the diverse mechanisms by which these agents modulate or evade their hosts' defences, creating a dynamic interaction between the human immune system and the parasite population.

Host genes, parasites and parasitic infections

Resistance to infection of mammalian hosts by parasites is under genetic control at many different levels: between species, between races, breeds and lines of single species and between individuals. These genetic effects have been described in many host-parasite systems. Here we review the interaction between three elements: host genes, parasites and the environment in which parasitic infections develop. Already livestock industries exploit genetic variation between breeds, particularly for the control of trypanosomiasis and tick infestation in cattle. In most populations, and to many diseases, resistance is heritable and selective breeding for resistance in commercial livestock species has been successful experimentally. Attempts at utilizing genetic variation are placed in the broad context of the coevolution of host and parasite, the limited knowledge we have of the mode of action of resistance genes and our ability to use genetic information to predict resistance to parasites.

Antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferative responses in vaccinated and Hypoderma lineatum-infested calves

Cattle infested with the common cattle grub, Hypoderma lineatum (Villers) develop specific humoral antibodies and a cellular immune reaction, defined by delayed-type hypersensitivity, to purified H. lineatum proteins. This investigation was designed to study the antigen-specific bovine lymphocyte response to hypodermin A (HyA), a serine protease of larval first-instar H. lineatum. Calves were vaccinated with either native or denatured HyA, and challenge-infested with H. lineatum. The kinetic development of a cellular immune response to HyA was monitored during vaccination and infestation. The HyA-specific responses were highly variable and weak during vaccination and infestation. Although HyA-specific lymphocyte blastogenic responses were observed, no correlation was noted between the magnitude of antigen-specific, peripheral lymphocyte proliferation and larval mortality. In striking contrast to responses observed during infestation, intense HyA-specific lymphocyte responses were observed with 3 calves 6 months after recovery from infestation. In addition, those responses were further heightened by a 250 micrograms booster injection of pure HyA.

The role of positive and negative interspecific associations in the organization of communities of intestinal helminths of bats

Twelve populations of bats were examined to determine the extent of interspecific associations in determining the species richness of intestinal helminth infracommunities. The pool of helminth species which was available to individual bats ranged from 2 to 21. The 'summed binomial' distribution was determined to underlie the host frequency distribution of the number of helminth species per host. Overall covariation in occurrences of species in replicated communities can be detected by testing for the equality of the observed variance of the host frequency distribution to the variance expected when species are allocated to hosts at random. Where statistically significant the covariance was indicative of a majority of positive rather than negative interspecific associations. As the mean number of species per host in a host population increases not only does the number of positive associations increase but so does the proportion of species pairs which exhibit positive associations. Although there is an increase in the proportion of species pairs which exhibit positive associations as the number of species increases, the magnitude of the associations (as indicated by the mean positive or the mean negative pairwise covariances) does not. Therefore, we concluded that positive interactions are more common than negative interactions in determining the species richness of helminth infracommunities of bats. Further, positive associations become even more important as the community becomes more complex. However, the increased importance is derived from the number rather than the strength of the associations.

Co-evolution of parasites and adaptive immune responses

The interplay between evolving host populations and evolving parasite populations is dominated by two key genetically based elements, namely the virulence of parasites and the resistance of their hosts. Here, Graham Mitchell gives a personal overview of ideas on the coevolution of parasite-host relationships and the contributions to immunology that are likely to emerge from systematic studies on this relationship.

IgE dependent autoimmune response. Effect of Trypanosoma cruzi infection

The autoimmune response to mouse accessory glands (MAG) was investigated in male BALB/c mice immunized with different doses of chemically modified mouse accessory glands (MMAG) and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). This autoimmune response was studied at several time intervals using the skin test with MAG. It was found that 5 mg of MMAG induced on the day 15 an autoimmune response detected by specific skin test at 20 min., 3 h and 24 h. The results of the immediate type hypersensitivity (ITH) were higher than those with the other skin tests. In order to study the type of immunoglobulin involved, the ITH was also analyzed by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) at different time intervals with treated and untreated sera at 56 degrees C. The findings suggest the presence of reaginic antibodies, IgE being the major antibody as detected by enzime linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The MAG was subsequently fractionated using Sephandex G-100 and the fractions thus obtained (FI,FII and FIII) were used to challenge mice immunized with MMAG. It was found that FI was the only fraction which revealed an ITH similar to that revealed by MAG. The effect of infection with Trypanosoma cruzi on the autoimmune response to MAG was analyzed with different mouse groups intraperitoneally treated with 2 x 10(3) blood trypomastigotes/animal at several time intervals: namely, on days -5, 0, +5 and +10 with respect to the immunization with MMAG. The autoimmune response to MAG showed suppression when the animals received the parasites on the same day as the autoantigen.

Decreased human IL-2 receptor expression due to a protozoan pathogen

A number of parasites suppress immune responses during - and in some cases after - their establishment in their hosts. Many instances of altered levels of immunocompetence have been documented, but the early events and mechanisms leading to such impairment have not been elucidated. Here, Felipe Kierszenbaum and colleagues discuss the ability of the pathogenic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi to suppress the expression of interleukin 2 receptors by human lymphocytes. Absence or reduced levels of this receptor would prevent lymphocytes from receiving the very important growth factor signal that allows them to continue their division cycle and to proliferate after activation.

Kinetic study of mast-cell growth factor production by lymphocytes during the course of Strongyloides ratti infection in mice

Mast-cell growth factor (MCGF) activity in the media conditioned by mesenteric lymph node or spleen cells from Strongyloides ratti-infected C57BL/6 mice was examined by using factor-dependent cell line FDC-P2 or bone marrow-derived, cultured mast cells (BMMC) as indicators. Mesenteric lymph node cells from infected mice spontaneously released MCGF activity by culturing for 24 h, showing peak production on days 5-7. MCGF production by mesenteric lymph node cells was augmented after stimulation with adult worm antigen or with concanavalin A (con A). The peak of MCGF production by antigen-stimulated lymph node cells was observed on days 5-7 and declined thereafter. MCGF production by antigen-stimulated spleen cells was lower than that by lymph node cells and reached a peak on day 7 or later. Normal lymph node or spleen cells did not produce MCGF activity even after stimulation with adult worm antigen. The peak of MCGF production by mesenteric lymph node cells preceded the peak of intestinal mastocytosis at the infected site by 4-6 days. The cells producing MCGF had a phenotype of Thy-1+, L3T4+, and Lyt-2-. The possible importance of mucosal mast cells in worm expulsion is discussed.

Cortisone-sensitive, innate resistance to Hymenolepis nana infection in congenitally athymic nude rats

The innate resistance of the unnatural rat host to the mouse tapeworm Hymenolepis nana is cortisone sensitive but thymus independent. When congenitally athymic nude rats were orally given eggs, cysticercoids, or adult worms of H. nana, no lumenal adults were established except when they were treated with cortisone acetate during the expected lumenal development. The effect of cortisone to promote adult maturation in the rats was compared in nude and normal rats given eggs of H. nana. The fecundity of the worms (assessed by the fresh worm biomass and the number of infective eggs produced) was much higher in cortisone-treated nude rats than in cortisone-treated normal rats. When the nude rats reconstituted with thymocytes were given eggs and treated with cortisone, the fecundity of H. nana dropped to the same level as in cortisone-treated normal rats. It is strongly suggested that the unnatural rat host has thymus-independent cortisone sensitive resistance to an initial infection (which is the main component of the innate resistance and blocks the lumenal establishment of this parasite) and thymus-dependent resistance (which suppresses the established worms' fecundity and may be ascribed to acquired resistance to the ongoing infection).

Immune response during coccidiosis in SC and FP chickens. I. In vitro assessment of T cell proliferation response to stage-specific parasite antigens

Development of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) and comparative effectiveness of different stage-specific coccidia antigens in T cell activation during avian coccidiosis were evaluated in two inbred strains of chickens using a specific in vitro T cell proliferation assay. Lymphocytes from chickens infected with different Eimeria spp. showed proliferative response to sporozoites, merozoites or Eimeria soluble antigen (Esa) excreted by cultured parasites. Detectable CMI response was observed at 21 day P.I. in chickens infected with E. tenella and E. maxima. Generally lower T cell response was observed in chickens infected with E. acervulina. Merozoites were highly immunogenic compared to sporozoites. Esa prepared from cultured parasites was as effective as whole parasites in evoking a T cell response. Although strain variation in T cell response to parasites or Esa was observed during a primary infection, substantially enhanced T cell response was observed 3 days after a secondary infection in both strains of chickens. The results of the present investigation suggest that Esa may be a major parasite antigen released to the immune system during early stages of infection and relevant to the development of protective immunity.

Inheritance of immunity in mice to challenge infection with Nematospiroides dubius

Two lines of mice (Mus musculus) were selectively reared over 10 generations for high (H) and low (L) levels of immune response to Nematospiroides dubius, an enteric nematode parasite. Filial and backcross families were derived from the two parent lines. The mode of inheritance of the trait, immune response to challenge infection with N. dubius, was analysed by comparing the levels of infection in the parental, filial and backcross (BC) families of mice. The immunity of the F1 mice was found to be dissimilar to both parents, but was closer to the H value than to the level of immunity in the L mice. The backcross to H progeny showed levels of immunity approaching that of the H mice, whereas only two of four backcross to L families were low immune responders. Analysis of these results indicated that the inheritance of immunity in these mice to challenge infection with N. dubius was quantitative, partially dominant for high immune response, and additive, in nature.

Echinococcus granulosus infection in mice: host responses during primary and secondary infection

The reaction of Balb/c mice to primary and secondary subcutaneous infection with Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces (PSC) is described. From 3 to 14 days following primary exposure to PSC, draining lymph nodes increase in weight and there is expansion of T and B lymphocyte populations, enhancement of in vitro lymphocyte transformational responses and production of PSC-specific IgM and IgE antibodies. Despite the persistence of viable PSC in host tissues, lymphocyte responses decline to pre-infection values over the period 3-8 weeks post-infection. Secondary exposure to PSC immediately induces lymphoproliferation, enhancement of transformational responses, production of IgE antibody and encapsulation of PSC by inflammatory cells. Although specific antibody levels remain high until at least 8 weeks after challenge infection, lymphocyte activity begins to decline after 4 days and is profoundly suppressed by 10 days. Parasite viability appears to be significantly reduced in secondary, as opposed to primary, infection and is associated with the accumulation of large numbers of eosinophils, mast cells and macrophages in infected tissues.

Unique characteristics of local responses in host resistance to mucosal parasitic infections

Because of the tremendous impact that parasitic infections have on the health and productivity of humans and domestic animals, considerable research effort has been focused upon understanding the mechanisms of host-parasite coexistence, host resistance and immunopathology. Studies have employed a range of approaches including: kinetic analysis of parasite establishment, development, fecundity and survival in naive and previously-infected hosts; correlation between parasite survival and histopathologic responses at the site of infection; vaccination with attenuated parasites or their products; cellular and serum transfer of immunity to naive or immunocompromised hosts; pharmacologic manipulation of potential mediators of host defense using agonistic and antagonistic drugs. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that to understand the mechanisms associated with host resistance and parasite survival, one must define the characteristics of the local microenvironment at the host-parasite interface. One of the approaches by which such studies can be made involves the isolation and characterization of cells derived from the local infection site. This manuscript reviews some of these studies on local aspects of mucosal immune responses in parasitic infections. Examples that will be discussed include IgA antibody, intraepithelial leukocytes from the intestine, intestinal mast cell populations, macrophages derived from bronchoalveolar lavage, and local immunoregulatory responses during respiratory and intestinal parasitic infection. These studies have established unequivocally that local responses to mucosal parasitic infection can only be appropriately investigated using cells derived from the specific microenvironment. This conclusion should encourage others to further study these local responses and to be innovative in investigating unexplored aspects of the host-parasite interface.

Population dynamics of Schistosoma mansoni in mice repeatedly exposed to infection

Studies of host resistance to parasite infection are usually based on experimental designs involving a primary infection and subsequent challenge exposure, resistance being recorded as the percentage reduction in parasite establishment in challenged hosts when compared with that in uninfected animals. Few studies have focused on the dynamic nature of helminth establishment and mortality (and their presumed dependency on the rate of current exposure and past experiences of infection) in hosts repeatedly exposed to low levels of infection. Here, we report the results of population studies on the dynamics of resistance to Schistosoma mansoni infection (a helminth parasite) in mice repeatedly exposed to cercarial invasion. Parasite burdens created by different levels and durations of exposure to infection reflect a dynamic interplay between rates of helminth establishment and mortality. Depending on the intensity of exposure, changes in worm load with duration of host infection vary from monotonic growth to a stable average parasite burden to convex curves in which the average load attains a maximum value before decaying in old animals. These trends are similar to observed patterns of S. mansoni infection in human communities.

Herd immunity to helminth infection and implications for parasite control

Despite much research on immunological responses to helminth parasites, knowledge of the dynamic interplay between levels of herd immunity in humans and the rates of exposure, establishment and mortality of parasites remains limited. We describe here a simple mathematical model for the population dynamics of helminth infections which mirrors the development of a degree of acquired immunity within populations which are genetically heterogeneous with respect to immunological responsiveness. We interpret observed patterns in the age-specific intensity of infection and attempt to understand the possible effects of control measures based on chemotherapy and vaccination. Mass chemotherapy can, in some circumstances, reduce the level of herd immunity such that average worm burdens in the adult age classes rise above their precontrol levels. When certain individuals or groups are predisposed to heavy infection, selective or targeted drug treatment can have significantly greater impact than mass or random application. Conversely, model predictions suggest that effective parasite control by vaccination (if and when vaccines become available) is difficult to achieve in communities that are genetically heterogeneous in their ability to mount protective responses to infection.

Hymenolepis microstoma: mouse strain differences in resistance to a challenge infection

Antibody responses and host resistance to the tapeworm, Hymenolepis microstoma, were investigated using AKR/J and C3HeB/FeJ strains of mice. AKR mice were significantly more resistant than controls to a secondary infection following exposure to a 3-, 21-, or 40-day primary infection. During a primary infection, intestinal anti-worm antibody responses measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were elevated in the more resistant AKR strain, whereas serum antibody titers did not differ between the two strains. However, during a secondary infection, serum IgA titers were higher in AKR mice than C3H mice. Suppression of the serum IgA anti-worm response by oral administration of lipopolysaccharide also suppressed resistance to a secondary infection. Intraperitoneal immunization with worm antigen resulted in a minor degree of protection in AKR mice. This protection was associated with increased intestinal antibody titers compared to mice not demonstrating protection. These results suggest that the protective responses observed in AKR mice relative to C3H mice reflect differences in mucosal antibody responses to H.

Interference in general immune function by parasite infections; African trypanosomiasis as a model system

Many parasitic diseases are accompanied by an immunosuppression which may affect only parasite-specific responses in some infections or lead to a general dysfunction of the immune system in others. African trypanosomiasis causes a particularly severe disorder of the immune system and this serves as a model system for analysis of the cellular basis of a parasite-induced general immune dysfunction affecting nearly all T- or B-lymphoid cell subpopulations. The nature of the parasite products causing havoc in the immune system may well vary in different infections and still remains to be defined. Trypanosome membrane fractions are active in vitro or in vivo but we have no evidence for a direct action on B- or T-cells. In vitro, both in man and mouse, T-cells are stimulated, but only in the presence of accessory cells. This points to the importance of host-derived immunosuppressive factors in the immune dysfunction. We have evidence that macrophages, after uptake of parasites in the presence of antibodies, are at least one target cell for parasite action. They can mediate immunosuppression and undergo changes in phenotype and mediator release during the course of infection. The macrophages show all the characteristic signs of activation, which can also be induced by other means and other infective agents such as BCG. Thus, macrophage activation would provide a common pathway for induction of a general immunosuppression in different infections.

Interaction between murine natural killer cells and trypanosomes of different species

The involvement of natural killer (NK) cells in the immunological resistance of mice to murine-specific Trypanosoma musculi was evaluated. Murine NK cells were found to be unable to kill or inhibit T. musculi or to protect recipients from infection. In addition, the ability of spleen cells from normal mice and from mice on day 3 of T. musculi infection, at the time of maximum NK augmentation, to kill Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma lewisi was evaluated. Spleen cells from normal mice displayed significant killing of both T. cruzi and T. lewisi. Furthermore, augmented spleen cells from T. musculi-infected mice were considerably more effective than normal spleen cells in killing both T. cruzi and T. lewisi. The activity of NK cells toward YAC-1 tumor target cells was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by either live T. musculi or extracts of T. musculi, but not by extracts of rat-specific T. lewisi. The results suggest that well-adapted protozoan parasites may be nonsusceptible to the natural cell-mediated resistance mechanisms of their hosts. Their nonsusceptibility could result from the ability to elaborate substances that either inactivate NK cells or block NK cell interaction with complementary sites on the parasite surface.

Increased leucocyte histamine release by Entamoeba histolytica antigen in patients with amoebic abscess of the liver

Leucocytes (basophils) from non-atopic adult subjects living in an area highly endemic with Entamoeba histolytica release histamine in a dose-dependent fashion upon in vitro exposure to an antigen of axenically grown E. histolytica (histolyticin). Leucocytes of patients with acute amoebic liver abscess were significantly more sensitive to this antigen than leucocytes of control subjects, including patients that had recovered from amoebic liver abscess. By comparison Concanavalin-A induced histamine release found in patients with amoebic liver abscess and healthy controls suggest an immunological mechanism for histolyticin induced in vitro histamine release. This is also suggested by the inability of histolyticin to release histamine from leucocytes of healthy newborn infants and the significant fall in sensitivity to histolyticin following incubation of leucocytes in acid pH. Histamine and other mediators may contribute locally to the early intense inflammatory reaction observed in tissue invasion by E. histolytica.

Susceptibility to coccidiosis: effect of strain of mouse on reproduction of Eimeria vermiformis

The reproduction of Eimeria vermiformis in different strains of phenotypically normal mice and in mice with various immunological characteristics or defects was compared. In some strains of phenotypically normal mice there were marked differences in oocyst production, both in terms of numbers and in the duration of patency, allowing the strains to be classified as resistant or susceptible to infection with E. vermiformis. These differences were apparent only in primary infections; both types of strain were equally resistant to reinfection. Amongst the strains of mice with immunological deficiencies, reproduction of the parasite was greatest in the athymic (nu/nu) mutants and these mice were completely susceptible to reinfection. Strains of mice with lowered or defective antibody production, or with defective neutrophils and low NK cell activity (bg/bg) were more susceptible than the relevant controls to primary infection but all developed substantial immunity to reinfection. Asplenic (Dh/+) mutants were remarkably resistant to infection.

A low molecular weight immunosuppressive factor produced by Onchocerca gibsoni

An immunosuppressive factor(s) which is heat stable, and dialysable, with a molecular weight less than 10,000 molecular weight, and is not species specific, has been shown to be produced during the in vitro culture of Onchocerca gibsoni microfilariae. The factor(s) is capable of abolishing lymphocyte mitogenesis induced by Con A in bovine lymphocytes and PHA in human lymphocytes. The factor(s) may play a role in establishing the microfilariae in the tissues of the host by depressing cell mediated immune reactions during invasion.

Immunologic responses to experimental strongyloidiasis in rats

Humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated in Lewis rats infected with high (3000) inocula of Strongyloides ratti larvae (L3). The responses of peripheral and mesenteric node lymphocytes to crude larval antigen (by lymphocyte proliferation assay) sharply rose between days 12 and 16 of the primary infection and days 8 and 12 of the challenge, and decreased promptly to almost preinfection levels. Spleen lymphocytes failed to show any response to the primary infection, but did exhibit a modest response after challenge. The responses of peripheral lymphocytes to the mitogen phytohemagglutinin fell considerably on infection day 8 and then rose sharply to very high levels. Reinfection caused a small decrease in responsiveness, followed by another increase after 10 days. Inoculation of 3000 heat-killed larvae stimulated a response in peripheral lymphocytes similar to that elicited by the inoculation of live larvae. Spleen lymphocytes appeared to be stimulated more by the killed larvae inoculation, whereas only a limited response was found in mesenteric node lymphocytes in animals inoculated with dead larvae. IgG antibody titers against S. ratti antigen were measured by the enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). A significant elevation was noted between days 12 and 20 with a return to pre-infection levels between days 80 and 150. Challenge with 3,000 L3 induced a rapid and significant elevation. These data indicate that in rats experimentally inoculated with large numbers of S. ratti larvae a direct relationship exists between the development of cellular and humoral immune responses to larval antigens, the expulsion of the intestinal worms, and the acquisition of resistance to subsequent challenge.

Trypanosoma cruzi: deficient lymphocyte reactivity during experimental acute Chagas' disease in the absence of suppressor T cells

Infection of mice with Trypanosoma cruzi has been shown to lead to an impaired ability of lymphocytes to proliferate in response to mitogenic stimulation which is manifested during the acute period of the disease. A possible involvement of suppressor T lymphocytes has been postulated by other authors and was investigated in this work as a part of our efforts to disclose the mechanisms underlying the immunologic deficiency. Spleen cells from acutely infected CBA/J mice readily exhibited unresponsiveness to stimulation with concanavalin A, phytohaemagglutinin or a bacterial lipopolysaccharide. However, these cells were unable to reduce the responses that normal syngeneic-mouse spleen cells mounted to these mitogens when cultured together in equal proportions. Furthermore, removal of the Lyt 2.1-bearing cells, known to include the suppressor T cell subpopulation, from infected mouse splenocyte suspensions, did not alter the deficient responsive status of the remaining cells. These results, together with the severe depletion of the T-cell compartment which occurs in the spleens of animals acutely infected with T. cruzi, do not support an important role of suppressor T lymphocytes in the noted deficiency in lymphoid cell reactivity to mitogens. Reduced numbers of responder cells, intrinsic lymphocyte alterations or suppression by cells other than T lymphocytes remain plausible explanations to be explored.

Population dynamics of human helminth infections: control by chemotherapy

An analysis is presented of the population dynamics of the major helminth parasites of man with the aim of understanding observed patterns in the age-specific prevalence and intensity of infection. Mathematical models are used to investigate the possibility of controlling helminth diseases by mass chemotherapy, and to explore the advantages of selective treatment of the most heavily infected individuals in a community.

Immunodeficiency models in characterization of immune responses to parasites--an overview

The use of selected immunosuppressant agents and genetically immunodeficient animals in studies designed to characterize the immune response to parasitic infections is reviewed. Immunosuppression induced by commonly used chemicals (corticosteroids and alkylating agents) and ionizing radiation is examined briefly. A greater emphasis is placed on congenitally immunodeficient animals and on immunosuppression induced by purified antisera directed against a variety of cellular specificities. The use of such immunodeficient animals has aided our understanding of the complex interrelationship between host and parasite. However, chemical immunosuppressants and the levels of irradiation used in adoptive cell transfer studies are usually indiscriminant in their toxic effects on a variety of tissues other than those targeted. These affected tissues may be crucial in establishment of the delicate physiological balance required for maintenance of equilibrium between host and parasite. Thus the effects of cytotoxic drugs or irradiation on parasite burdens may reflect alteration of not only immunity, but other essential factors leading to misinterpretation of results. Use of congenitally immunodeficient animals, which are readily repaired by introduction of specific cellular components, may be more useful in dissecting host responses to parasites. In addition, depletion of specific components of the immune system through use of anti-isotype antiserum, for example, is another useful probe. These approaches do not suffer from the generalized cytotoxic effects of chemicals and irradiation, and remove a potentially important and misleading variable from experimental designs. They also allow one to discriminate between non-specific inflammatory and specific immunological factors. The potential pitfalls of broadly used induced immunodeficiency states in studies on parasitisms may now be overcome at least partially by use of highly purified and specific cytotoxic reagents coupled with an ever-increasing array of genetically immunodeficient animal models.

Cellular response and resistance to the primary infection of rats and mice with Nematospiroides dubius

LEWIS rats, in contrast to NMRI mice, have been found to be resistant to an oral infection with Nematospiroides dubius (Baylis, 1926). Comparative studies of the peritoneal response to infection showed a strong increase in the cell number predominantly of eosinophilic and neutrophilic granulocytes in rats, whereas in mice only a weak reaction occurred. As shown by the chemiluminescence response to either antibody--or complement-coated larvae, the granulocyte reaction caused an increased production of toxic oxygen species by the peritoneal cells. Purified granulocytes from rats or mice showed about a ten-fold higher oxidant generation than macrophages. The higher metabolic activity of granulocytes of either species resulted in rapid and strong killing of antibody or complement-coated infective larvae by granulocytes of either species, whereas macrophages failed to express a significant larvicidal potency. From these results we concluded that the activated oxygen species derived from the metabolic burst of granulocytes are essential for an effective control of the primary infection with N. dubius. This suggests that the rapid and strong granulocyte response may form the basis of the resistance in rats. Thus, in mice, the ability of N. dubius to prevent the granulocyte response may serve as an escape mechanism of the parasite.