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Chagas' disease and the autoimmunity hypothesis.

F Kierszenbaum1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.kierszen@pilot.msu.edu

Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|April 9, 1999
PubMed
Summary

The autoimmunity hypothesis for Chagas' disease is debated. While antibodies and T cells react with host tissues, evidence directly linking this to disease pathology remains inconclusive, questioning its role.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pathology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chagas' disease pathology was initially suspected to have an autoimmune component.
  • Circulating antibodies and T lymphocytes reactive with host tissue antigens were observed in infected patients and mice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and critically evaluate the evidence supporting and questioning the autoimmunity hypothesis in Chagas' disease pathogenesis.
  • To discuss the ongoing debate regarding the role of immunologic autoreactivities in the disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and data on immune responses in Chagas' disease.
  • Analysis of findings related to antibodies, T cells, and tissue antigens.

Main Results:

  • Evidence for autoimmune reactions (antibodies, T cells) in Chagas' disease is present.
  • Significant disagreement exists regarding the trigger (molecular mimicry vs. bystander activation) and relevance of these autoreactivities.
  • Lack of direct, incontrovertible evidence linking autoreactions to typical human Chagas' disease pathology.

Conclusions:

  • The role of autoimmunity in Chagas' disease pathogenesis remains controversial.
  • Discrepancies in research findings and lack of definitive evidence challenge the widespread acceptance of the autoimmunity hypothesis.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the precise contribution of immune responses to Chagas' disease pathology.

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