Eosinophils in Helminth Infection: Defenders and Dupes

Eosinophilia is a central feature of the host response to helminth infection. Larval stages of parasitic worms are killed in vitro by eosinophils in the presence of specific antibodies or complement. These findings established host defense as the paradigm for eosinophil function. Recently, studies in eosinophil-ablated mouse strains have revealed an expanded repertoire of immunoregulatory functions for this cell. Other reports document crucial roles for eosinophils in tissue homeostasis and metabolism, processes that are central to the establishment and maintenance of parasitic worms in their hosts. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the significance of eosinophils at the host-parasite interface, highlighting their distinct functions during primary and secondary exposure.

The role of OX22- helper T cells in protective immunity to reinfection with Taenia taeniaeformis in rats

Spleen cells (SpC) and mesenteric lymph node cells (MLNC) from F344 donor rats actively immunized by oral inoculation with Taenia taeniaeformis eggs were syngeneically transferred into previously uninfected recipient rats by intravenous injection. Recipient rats were challenged with eggs after cell transfer. The degree of immunity was assessed by counting the number of growing metacestodes (MC) in the liver and compared with that in controls. Transfer of 2 x 10(8) SpC, obtained from donors immunized for ten or more (but not for three or five) days before cell transfer inhibited the establishment of most of MC. There were approximately 86-88% reductions in MC recoveries. SpC (2 x 10(8)) obtained from donors immunized for ten days inhibited the establishment of most of MC in recipient rats when transferred nought, two, or 24 h (but not 48 h) before egg challenge. Functional cells in the immune SpC were helper T cells W3/25+, OX8- and OX22-. However, immune MLNC obtained from donors immunized for three to ten days before cell transfer had no effect on transferring immunity.

A review of eosinophil chemotaxis and function in Taenia taeniaeformis infections in the laboratory rat

The eosinophil has long been associated with diseases of acute hypersensitivity and with parasite infections, but its exact role in the pathogenesis of these conditions remains uncertain. Characterization of factors associated with migration of eosinophils into tissues has helped to elucidate eosinophil function. Eosinophil chemotactic factors associated with acute hypersensitivity reactions include the eosinophil chemotactic factors of anaphylaxis, histamine, and arachidonic acid metabolites, all of which are released from mast cells, and the lymphokine eosinophil stimulation promoter (ESP). Eosinophilotaxins associated with parasitic diseases include the lymphokine ESP and the low molecular weight factor ECF-G, both associated with schistosome infection in mice. In addition, in several parasite infections parasite-derived protein eosinophil chemotactic factors have been identified and characterized. The proteins associated with Ascaris, Anisakis, and Schistosoma infections appear to be distinct from one another. We have recently partially characterized a protein from Taenia taeniaeformis larvae which has marked chemotactic activity for eosinophils. In addition we have demonstrated eosinophil chemotactic activity associated with metabolism of arachidonic acid by T. taeniaeformis metacestodes. The results of studies in taeniasis and other parasite infections, therefore, indicate that parasite-derived factors may directly influence migration of eosinophils.