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Macrophages in protective immunity to Hymenolepis nana in mice
1Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Showa University Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
When mice were treated with carrageenan just before infection with eggs of Hymenolepis nana, they failed to exhibit sterile immunity to the egg challenge, with evidence of a decrease in the number of peripheral macrophages (Mø) and the rate of carbon clearance. Although there were high levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) released into the intestinal tracts of the parasitized mice at challenge infection, there was almost no release of IL-1 in those treated with carrageenan just before challenge. These results strongly suggest that Mø have an important role in protective immunity to H. nana in mice.
Insights
Carrageenan treatment prevented sterile immunity in mice infected with Hymenolepis nana eggs by reducing macrophages (Mø) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) release. These findings highlight the crucial role of Mø in H. nana protective immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Helminthology
Background:
- Hymenolepis nana is a common tapeworm parasite.
- The mechanisms of sterile immunity against H. nana are not fully understood.
- Macrophages (Mø) are key immune cells involved in host defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of macrophages (Mø) in protective immunity against Hymenolepis nana infection in mice.
- To examine the effect of carrageenan, a macrophage inhibitor, on the development of sterile immunity.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected with Hymenolepis nana eggs.
- Carrageenan was administered to mice prior to challenge infection.
- Peripheral macrophage numbers and carbon clearance rates were assessed.
- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels in the intestinal tract were measured.
Main Results:
- Carrageenan treatment impaired sterile immunity to H. nana egg challenge.
- A decrease in peripheral macrophage numbers and carbon clearance rate was observed in carrageenan-treated mice.
- Intestinal IL-1 release was significantly reduced in mice treated with carrageenan before challenge.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages (Mø) play a critical role in mediating protective immunity against Hymenolepis nana in mice.
- Inhibition of Mø function by carrageenan compromises the development of sterile immunity.
- IL-1 release appears to be associated with Mø-dependent protective immunity to H. nana.
