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Modified cellular immune responses in dogs infected with Echinococcus multilocularis.
Naoko Kato1, Nariaki Nonaka, Yuzaburo Oku
1Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, 060-0818 Sapporo, Japan. nkato@dokkyomed.ac.jp
Parasitology Research
|February 19, 2005
Summary
Echinococcus multilocularis infection in dogs induced both Th1 and Th2 antibody responses. Parasite antigens, particularly PES, partially suppressed lymphocyte proliferation, suggesting immune evasion strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Echinococcus multilocularis is a significant zoonotic parasite.
- Understanding host immune responses is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate canine immune responses to E. multilocularis infection.
- To analyze humoral and cellular immunity, including lymphocyte blastogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Dogs were orally inoculated with E. multilocularis metacestodes.
- Serum antibody levels (IgG1, IgG2) and lymphocyte proliferation (PBMC, Peyer's patches cells) were measured.
- Concanavalin A (ConA) stimulation was used to assess lymphocyte responsiveness.
Main Results:
- Elevated serum IgG1 and IgG2 levels were observed, with highest responses to protoscolex excretory-secretory antigen (PES).
- Limited lymphocyte blastogenesis occurred in Peyer's patches cells, but not peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
- Parasite antigens, especially PES, suppressed ConA-induced lymphocyte proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Dogs infected with E. multilocularis mount both Th1 and Th2 humoral responses.
- E. multilocularis antigens, particularly PES, can incompletely suppress canine lymphocyte responses.
- These findings suggest potential immune evasion mechanisms by the parasite.