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Cercarial Transformation and in vitro Cultivation of Schistosoma mansoni Schistosomules
Published on: August 16, 2011
Immunologic aspects of schistosomiasis
1Centre d'Immunologie et de Biologie Parasitaire, Unité Mixte INSERM Ul 67-CNRS 624, Institut Pasteur, Lille, France.
Annual Review of Medicine
|January 1, 1992
Summary
The immune system fights schistosome worms using IgE antibodies, which are crucial for acquired resistance and protection against reinfection. This highlights IgE
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Schistosomiasis affects 200 million people globally, caused by helminth worms.
- Immunity to schistosomes involves targeting invading larvae, known as concomitant immunity.
- Key immune components include T cells and specific antibody isotypes, particularly IgE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of IgE antibody in acquired resistance to schistosomes.
- To investigate the correlation between antibody levels and resistance to schistosome reinfection.
- To explore potential vaccine strategies targeting schistosome antigens like Sm28.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies analyzing T cell and antibody isotype functions.
- Epidemiological studies correlating antibody levels with resistance.
- Assessment of Sm28 (glutathione-S-transferase) as a vaccine candidate.
Main Results:
- IgE antibody cooperates with immune cells (mononuclear phagocytes, eosinophils, platelets) to kill schistosome larvae.
- Positive correlation observed between IgE levels and resistance to reinfection; negative correlation with IgM, IgG2, IgG4.
- Sm28 antigen demonstrated significant protection in animal models and reduced disease pathology.
Conclusions:
- IgE antibody is essential for acquired resistance against schistosomes.
- Sm28 represents a promising vaccine candidate for schistosomiasis prevention.
- Schistosome immunology reveals antigenic mimicry with HIV proteins and IgE's role in allergic responses.
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