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Resistance and susceptibility in human onchocerciasis--beyond Th1 vs. Th2
Achim Hoerauf1, Norbert Brattig
1Bernhard Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Strasse 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany. hoerauf@bni.uni-hamburg.de
Abstract:
As research progress has led to programs for the elimination of onchocerciasis as a public health problem, research must now be intensified to protect elimination efforts. A profound understanding of the immunology in the human-parasite relationship is required for predicting the impacts of an altered immune response in a population post-microfilaricide treatment, and for the development of a vaccine against onchocerciasis, a highly desirable tool to guarantee sustained elimination success. This article summarizes the recent advancements in understanding the human immune mechanisms against onchocerciasis, and focuses on the new concept of T-cell suppressor responses as a major counterbalance mechanism for effector responses driven by T helper 1 and T helper 2 cells against the filarial worms.
Insights
Understanding immune responses is crucial for onchocerciasis elimination. Research highlights T-cell suppressor activity as a key factor balancing immune reactions to the parasite, aiding vaccine development and public health efforts.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Public Health
Background:
- Onchocerciasis elimination programs are advancing.
- Understanding human-parasite immunology is vital for sustained success.
- Microfilaricide treatments alter immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- Summarize recent advancements in onchocerciasis immunology.
- Focus on T-cell suppressor responses in the human-parasite relationship.
- Inform vaccine development and elimination strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on immune mechanisms against onchocerciasis.
- Analysis of T-cell responses (T helper 1, T helper 2, and suppressor cells).
Main Results:
- T-cell suppressor responses counterbalance effector T-cell activity.
- This balance impacts immune reactions to filarial worms.
- Immune insights are critical for predicting post-treatment population responses.
Conclusions:
- A deeper understanding of immune regulation is necessary for onchocerciasis elimination.
- T-cell suppressor mechanisms are a significant factor in host-parasite interactions.
- This knowledge supports the development of effective vaccines and public health interventions.