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Lymphocyte function in experimental African trypanosomiasis. VI. Parasite-specific immunosuppression.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|June 1, 1983
Summary
African trypanosome infections in mice suppress antibody production. Early infection causes temporary suppression, while late-stage disease completely halts antibody responses, highlighting immune evasion strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- African trypanosomes evade host immune responses through antigenic variation.
- Understanding immune suppression during trypanosome infection is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the capacity of mice infected with African trypanosomes to produce antibodies against surface antigens upon primary and secondary exposure.
- To determine the impact of infection stage and chemotherapy on the humoral immune response.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/10SnJ mice were infected with Trypanosoma rhodesiense (LouTat 1.0).
- Surface antigen-specific IgM and IgG antibody titers were measured during infection and after re-exposure.
- Mice received trypanocidal chemotherapy, and their subsequent antibody response was assessed.
Main Results:
- Mice in the early infection stage showed transient suppression of antibody responses upon re-exposure.
- Mice in the terminal disease phase exhibited complete suppression of humoral immunity to the parasite.
- Chemotherapy restored immune responsiveness, but the antibody response resembled a primary rather than a secondary immune response.
Conclusions:
- African trypanosome infection significantly impairs the host's ability to mount effective humoral immunity.
- The stage of infection dictates the degree of immune suppression.
- Therapeutic intervention can restore immune function, but the quality of the immune response may be altered.