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Inflammatory responses to migrating Brugia pahangi third-stage larvae
Kristina H Porthouse1, Sharon R Chirgwin, Sharon U Coleman
1Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-6308, USA.
Infection and Immunity
|March 23, 2006
Summary
Early filarial larva (L3) migration in gerbils shows a predictable pattern, inducing an acute inflammatory response that shifts to a Th2-like profile as parasites establish in lymphatics.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Host-parasite interactions during early filarial larva (L3) migration are poorly understood.
- Filarial L3 establishment and subsequent host responses are critical but understudied.
- Early migration dynamics influence parasite success and host pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the early tissue migration patterns of Brugia pahangi L3 in gerbils.
- To measure host cellular and molecular responses during L3 migration.
- To understand the initial host-parasite interactions in a permissive model.
Main Methods:
- Intradermal inoculation of gerbils with Brugia pahangi L3.
- Necropsies performed at various time points post-infection (3h, 24h, 7 days, 28 days).
- Histological analysis and measurement of cytokine mRNA (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-4) levels.
Main Results:
- L3 rapidly migrated from the injection site, dispersing through lymphatics by 7 days and concentrating in spermatic cord lymphatics by 28 days.
- An early acute inflammatory response (neutrophils, IL-6, TNF-α) was observed, peaking at 3 hours.
- A shift towards a Th2-like immune response (elevated IL-4) was evident by 7-28 days post-infection.
Conclusions:
- Brugia pahangi L3 exhibit predictable migration patterns in gerbils.
- Migrating L3 induce an early inflammatory response that is modulated as parasites establish.
- The host immune response polarizes to a Th2-like profile during filarial parasite establishment.
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