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09:58
Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation
Published on: June 5, 2012
Aging and immune response in chronic human schistosomiasis
F Comin1, E Speziali, R Correa-Oliveira
1Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Acta Tropica
|June 28, 2008
Summary
Elderly individuals in Schistosoma mansoni endemic areas show varied immune responses. Egg-negative older adults exhibit robust innate immunity, suggesting healthy aging despite T-cell decline.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aging (senescence) is linked to immune decline and increased susceptibility to infections.
- Schistosoma mansoni infection prevalence is notable in individuals over 60 in endemic regions.
- T-cell dysfunction is a key feature of aging-related immune alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immune response differences between infected and non-infected individuals over 60 in Schistosoma mansoni endemic areas.
- To identify mechanisms contributing to protection against infection in aged populations.
- To explore the concept of healthy aging in the context of infectious disease exposure.
Main Methods:
- Review of previous studies on immune responses in aged individuals in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- Analysis of stool-screening tests for Schistosoma mansoni eggs.
- Assessment of serum antibody levels reactive with S. mansoni antigens.
- Evaluation of innate immune responses and regulatory T-cell activity.
Main Results:
- Egg-negative aged individuals demonstrate enhanced innate immune responses, compensating for age-related T-cell decline.
- Infected aged individuals exhibit more vigorous, chronically activated regulatory T cells, potentially impairing protective immunity.
- A significant proportion of older adults in endemic areas are not infected, despite exposure.
Conclusions:
- Egg-negative status in aged individuals is associated with compensatory innate immunity.
- Regulatory T-cell activity differs between infected and non-infected elderly individuals.
- Non-infected aged individuals may represent a model of healthy aging in infectious disease-endemic settings.
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