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Studies of tolerance in schistosomiasis
Cellular Immunology
|May 1, 1986
Summary
Inducing immune tolerance to schistosomal egg antigen (SEA) is challenging. High-dose intraperitoneal SEA injections reduced cell-mediated immunity but increased antibodies, indicating a complex immune response.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Schistosomiasis research
Background:
- Schistosomal egg antigen (SEA) is a complex mixture implicated in immune responses.
- Understanding immune tolerance induction is crucial for managing schistosomiasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for inducing immune tolerance using schistosomal egg antigen (SEA).
- To compare different administration routes, SEA forms, and schedules for tolerance induction.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated tolerance induction versus sensitization after SEA or egg challenge.
- Measured anti-SEA antibody levels via ELISA.
- Assessed cell-mediated immunity through skin tests and pulmonary granuloma formation.
Main Results:
- Oral administration of SEA or eggs did not induce tolerance or sensitization.
- Intrathymic SEA exposure either had no effect or induced sensitization.
- Intraperitoneal SEA injections (0.5-1.0 mg) reduced cell-mediated responses but increased anti-SEA antibodies, suggesting split tolerance or immune deviation.
Conclusions:
- Classic tolerance induction methods are often ineffective with complex antigens like SEA.
- The biological significance of SEA-induced split tolerance requires further investigation.