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Immunization with Nematospiroides dubius adult worms plus pertussigen has different consequences in mice of various
Abstract:
In the Nematospiroides dubius/mouse model of intestinal nematodiasis, young C57BL/6 male mice are highly susceptible in that they remain chronically infected after repeated oral administrations of infective third-stage larvae (L3). It was shown previously that a parenteral injection of small numbers of living adult worms, or their aqueous extracts, was highly effective at sensitizing these mice for accelerated rejection of adult worms but only when the mice were additionally injected with pertussigen from Bordetella pertussis. 'Host protective antigens' appear to be soluble proteins. This method of vaccination is largely ineffective in male mice of strains CBA/H and C3H/He and can actually be counterproductive in BALB/c mice. Thus, adult worms injected subcutaneously into male BALB/c mice will sensitize them for accelerated rejection and this effect is neutralized by simultaneous injection of such mice with pertussigen. The data highlight the known complexity of host-parasite relationships in intestinal parasitism and suggest that several different defects underlie the genetically based inability of some mice to reject N. dubius worms from the intestines following exposure to N. dubius antigens.
Insights
Mice infected with Nematospiroides dubius worms can reject them after vaccination with worm antigens and Bordetella pertussis adjuvant. However, this immune response varies significantly across different mouse strains, indicating complex genetic factors in host-parasite interactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Genetics
Background:
- Nematospiroides dubius infection in C57BL/6 mice leads to chronic intestinal nematodiasis.
- Parenteral administration of adult worms or their extracts can sensitize mice for accelerated worm rejection.
- This sensitization requires co-administration with pertussigen (from Bordetella pertussis) and is strain-dependent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complexities of host-parasite relationships in intestinal parasitism.
- To explore the genetic basis for varying susceptibility and immune responses to N. dubius infection in different mouse strains.
- To understand the role of host protective antigens and adjuvant effects in N. dubius expulsion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Nematospiroides dubius/mouse model of intestinal nematodiasis.
- Administered infective third-stage larvae (L3) orally to induce infection.
- Employed parenteral injections of living adult worms or their aqueous extracts, with and without pertussigen, to assess immune sensitization.
- Compared responses across different mouse strains (C57BL/6, CBA/H, C3H/He, BALB/c).
Main Results:
- C57BL/6 male mice are highly susceptible and remain chronically infected.
- Vaccination with worm antigens and pertussigen effectively sensitizes C57BL/6 mice for accelerated worm rejection.
- This vaccination strategy is ineffective in CBA/H and C3H/He mice and is counteracted by pertussigen in BALB/c mice.
- Subcutaneous injection of adult worms into BALB/c mice sensitizes for rejection, but pertussigen neutralizes this effect.
Conclusions:
- Host-parasite interactions in intestinal parasitism are complex.
- Genetically determined defects underlie the inability of certain mouse strains to reject N. dubius.
- Soluble proteins from adult worms function as host protective antigens, but their efficacy is modulated by host genetics and adjuvant presence.