In vitro antigen presenting cell-derived IL-10 and IL-6 correlate with Trichuris muris isolate-specific survival

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Parasitology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Trichuris muris is a model for human whipworm infections.
• The S isolate of T. muris persists in C57BL/6 mice, while E and J isolates are cleared.
• S isolate persistence is linked to unique excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens that may suppress T cell responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differential immune responses of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to E/S antigens from T. muris isolates.
• To determine if E/S antigens from the S isolate induce distinct cytokine profiles in macrophages and dendritic cells.

Main Methods:

• Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMPhi) and dendritic cells (BMDCs) were cultured in vitro.
• Cells were stimulated with isolate-specific E/S antigens.
• Flow cytometry (FACS) was used to analyze co-stimulation markers and MHC-II levels.
• Cytokine levels (IL-10, IL-6) in supernatants were quantified.

Main Results:

• S isolate E/S antigens induced significantly higher levels of IL-10 and IL-6 from both BMMPhi and BMDCs compared to E and J isolates.
• No significant differences were observed in co-stimulation markers or MHC-II levels across isolates.

Conclusions:

• In vitro data suggest that T. muris S isolate E/S antigens promote a regulatory cytokine environment via increased IL-10 and IL-6 production.
• This immune modulation by S isolate antigens may contribute to its in vivo persistence by suppressing effective anti-parasitic immune responses.