Immunity to Trichuris muris in the laboratory mouse
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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut
Published on: May 24, 2011
K J Else1, M L deSchoolmeester
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, 3.239 Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK. kathryn.j.else@man.ac.uk
Abstract:
Of all the laboratory models of intestinal nematode infection, Trichuris muris in the mouse is arguably the most powerful. This is largely due to the fact that the ability to expel this parasite is strain dependent. Thus, most mouse strains readily expel T. muris. However certain mouse strains, and indeed some individuals within particular mouse strains, are unable to mount a protective immune response and harbour long term chronic infections. This unique model thus presents an opportunity to examine the immune events underlying both resistance to infection and persistent infection within the same host species, and in some cases, the same host strain.
Insights
The Trichuris muris mouse model reveals strain-dependent immunity to intestinal nematode infection. This powerful model allows study of both resistance and chronic infection immune responses within the same host species.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- The Trichuris muris mouse model is a powerful tool for studying intestinal nematode infections.
- Parasite expulsion is strain-dependent in mice, with some strains clearing the infection while others develop chronic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immune mechanisms underlying resistance and susceptibility to Trichuris muris infection in mice.
- To leverage the strain-dependent nature of T. muris expulsion for comparative immunological studies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing different mouse strains to model both self-resolving and chronic Trichuris muris infections.
- Comparative analysis of immune responses in resistant versus susceptible mouse strains.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that mouse strain dictates the ability to mount an effective immune response against T. muris.
- Identified key differences in immune events contributing to parasite clearance versus chronic infection.
Conclusions:
- The T. muris mouse model offers a unique system to study the spectrum of immune responses to intestinal nematodes.
- Understanding these immune pathways can inform strategies for treating parasitic infections.
