Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 21, 2025

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
10:57

Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children

Published on: August 22, 2012

24.1K

Protein deficiency during Trichinella spiralis infection impairs lung immunity against newborn larvae

Cecilia C Vila1,2, María P Saracino1,2, Tomás Lombardo1,2

  • 1Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Inmunología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Parasite Immunology
|January 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A protein-deficient diet reduced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against Trichinella spiralis larvae in rats. This impairment was linked to lower antibody levels and fewer effector cells, impacting immune response.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is crucial for parasite immunity.
  • Dietary protein intake can influence immune function.
  • Trichinella spiralis infection poses a significant health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of a protein-deficient (PD) diet on ADCC against Trichinella spiralis.
  • To analyze the effects on antibody levels and effector cell populations in infected rats.

Main Methods:

  • Wistar rats were fed either a PD diet (6.5% casein) or a control diet (20% casein).
  • Rats were infected with Trichinella spiralis larvae.
  • Lung tissue extracts (LTE) and lung cell suspensions (LCS) were analyzed for antibody titers and ADCC activity.
  • Cellular composition of LCS, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and FcεRI+ cells, was quantified.

Main Results:

  • Rats on a PD diet exhibited lower anti-larvae antibody titers in LTE compared to controls.
  • ADCC activity was significantly reduced in rats fed the PD diet, both in vitro and in vivo.
  • LCS from PD-fed rats showed diminished cytotoxic capacity and contained fewer neutrophils, eosinophils, and FcεRI+ cells.

Conclusions:

  • Protein deficiency impairs ADCC against Trichinella spiralis larvae in rat lungs.
  • Reduced specific antibodies and effector cell populations contribute to diminished ADCC.
  • Dietary protein is essential for maintaining effective immune responses against parasitic infections.

Keywords:
Trichinella spiralisantibody-dependent cell cytotoxicityinfectionlungnewborn larvaeprotein deficiency

More Related Videos

A Strategy for the Study of IL-9-Producing Lymphoid Cells in the Nippostrongylus brasiliensis Infection Model08:38

A Strategy for the Study of IL-9-Producing Lymphoid Cells in the Nippostrongylus brasiliensis Infection Model

Published on: March 3, 2023

1.6K
Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice05:24

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

Published on: October 10, 2025

128

Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
585
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
263
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
509