Strongyloides Antigens Alter Cytokines Responses in Toxoplasma gondii-Infected BeWo Trophoblast Cells

The importance of co-infections is not yet completely understood, and the impact and direction of their effects vary considerably. This study aimed to evaluate the role of total saline extract (TS) and excretory/secretory (ES) products of Strongyloides venezuelensis filarioid larvae on a maternal-interface cell model during Toxoplasma gondii infection. BeWo cells were cultured and stimulated with TS antigens and ES products to evaluate their effects on cell viability, T. gondii proliferation, and cytokine production. Both TS and ES had no impact on BeWo cell viability and T. gondii proliferation. However, stimulation with the highest concentration of TS resulted in increased IL-4 production. Additionally, IL-6 levels significantly increased after T. gondii infection in all ES-treated conditions. Increased IL-4 and IL-6 production was observed in comparison to the untreated control group (C) and/or between infected and uninfected cells under the same antigenic stimulation. Moreover, MIF levels increased consistently after T. gondii infection, regardless whether antigenic stimulation was present. Our results show that S. venezuelensis antigens can influence the host immune environment, altering the secretion profile of IL-4 and IL-6 in BeWo cells, thereby highlighting the complexity of the helminth and protozoan interaction. These studies are essential for a comprehensive understanding of responses in strongyloidiasis and their possible implications for T. gondii infection and disease control strategies.