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Are inflammation and immunological hyperactivity needed for filarial parasite development?
1Division of Immunology, Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Bhubaneswar-751023, India. immunol@dte.vsnl.net.in
Trends in Parasitology
|March 3, 2001
Summary
Filarial parasite development relies on T helper 1 cytokines. Host susceptibility to filarial infections is linked to nitric oxide production and antibody responses to T-independent antigens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The role of the host immune system in the development of infectious agents is gaining recognition.
- Understanding pathogen-host interactions is crucial for disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a model for filarial parasite development within mammalian hosts.
- To investigate the immune factors governing susceptibility to filarial infections.
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a theoretical framework based on existing immunological knowledge.
- It integrates concepts of cytokine profiles and cellular responses.
Main Results:
- Filarial larvae to adult parasite development is proposed to occur in an environment rich in T helper cell type 1 (Th1) cytokines.
- Host susceptibility may depend on macrophage-derived nitric oxide (NO) levels.
- The ability to produce antibodies against filarial T-independent (carbohydrate) antigens is also implicated.
Conclusions:
- Immune-dependent mechanisms are central to filarial parasite growth and disease.
- Host immune status, particularly Th1 responses, nitric oxide production, and specific antibody generation, dictates susceptibility to filarial infections.