Trichinella spiralis nurse cell formation is regulated via CCR7⁺ dendritic cells

The chemokine receptor CCR7 is a well-established homing receptor for dendritic cells (DCs) and T-cells. Interaction with the CCL19 and CCL21 ligands promotes priming of immune responses in lymphoid tissues; however, the mechanism underlying CCR7-induced immune responses against helminth parasite infection remains unknown. Thus, we examined the role of CCR7 in generating protective immune responses against intracellular Trichinella spiralis infection. The results showed significantly increased CCR7, CCL19 and CCL21 expression in the muscle tissue compared to that in the intestinal tissue in T. spiralis-infected mice. The CCR7-expressing DC population increased in the mesenteric and peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs) during T. spiralis infection. Notably, the number of CCR7-expressing cells in PLNs increased by more than 30% at 28 days post-infection; however, this increase was significantly inhibited in CCR7-blocked mice treated with CCR7-specific antibodies. T helper 2 (Th2)-and regulatory T (T_reg )-related cytokine levels were also reduced by CCR7-specific antibody treatment. CCR7-blocked mice lost their resistance to T. spiralis infection in the muscle phase but not in the intestinal phase. Furthermore, fewer eosinophils around the nurse cells and reduced total and T. spiralis-specific IgE in the serum were observed in CCR7-blocked mice compared to those infected with only T. spiralis. CCR7 blockade led to the T. spiralis infection-induced suppression of Th2- and T_reg -related cytokine production in vitro. These results suggest that CCR7 in DCs might play an essential role in host defence mechanisms against T. spiralis infection, particularly in the muscle stage of the infection, by accelerating Th2 and T_reg cell responses.