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Published on: March 18, 2020
B-Cell Response during Protozoan Parasite Infections
María C Amezcua Vesely1, Daniela A Bermejo, Carolina L Montes
1Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de la Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina.
Journal of Parasitology Research
|February 9, 2012
Summary
Protozoan parasites disrupt B cell immunity by inducing apoptosis and polyclonal activation, affecting antibody production and immune responses. This impacts both early and established humoral immunity during infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- B cells play a crucial role in adaptive immunity, producing antibodies against pathogens.
- Protozoan parasites are a diverse group of organisms that can cause significant human and animal diseases.
- Understanding host-parasite interactions at the cellular level is vital for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate mechanisms by which protozoan parasites manipulate B cell compartments.
- To elucidate how these parasites evade host immune responses mediated by B cells.
- To highlight the consequences of parasite-induced B cell alterations on humoral and cellular immunity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on protozoan parasite infections and B cell immunology.
- Analysis of studies detailing B cell activation, apoptosis, and antibody production in response to parasitic infections.
- Examination of cytokine and chemokine roles in modulating immune responses during protozoan infections.
Main Results:
- Protozoan parasites activate innate-like B cells (B1 and marginal zone B cells), leading to short-lived plasma cells and prompt antibody generation.
- Infections induce polyclonal B cell activation, resulting in hypergammaglobulinemia with specific and non-specific antibodies.
- Parasites evade immune responses by inducing apoptosis in marginal zone and mature B cells, impairing early IgM responses and established humoral immunity.
- Some parasites trigger apoptosis in immature B cells, affecting the generation of new mature B cells.
- B cells contribute to cellular immune responses through cytokine and chemokine production, influencing infection progression.
Conclusions:
- Protozoan parasites employ sophisticated strategies to subvert B cell immunity, including inducing apoptosis and polyclonal activation.
- These alterations significantly impact the host's ability to mount effective antibody and cellular immune responses.
- Further research into these host-parasite interactions is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis and developing therapeutic interventions.
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