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A low molecular weight immunosuppressive factor produced by Onchocerca gibsoni
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|May 1, 1983
Summary
Onchocerca gibsoni microfilariae produce a heat-stable immunosuppressive factor that inhibits lymphocyte proliferation. This factor may help parasites evade host immune responses during infection.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Onchocerca gibsoni microfilariae are parasitic nematodes.
- Host immune responses are crucial for controlling parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory properties of factors produced by Onchocerca gibsoni microfilariae.
- To characterize the immunosuppressive factor(s) and their potential role in parasite establishment.
Main Methods:
- In vitro culture of Onchocerca gibsoni microfilariae.
- Dialysis and heat stability assays to characterize the factor.
- Lymphocyte proliferation assays using Con A (bovine) and PHA (human) stimulation.
Main Results:
- A heat-stable, dialyzable immunosuppressive factor (MW < 10,000) was produced.
- The factor abolished Con A-induced lymphocyte mitogenesis in bovine cells.
- The factor inhibited PHA-induced lymphocyte proliferation in human cells.
- The factor is not species-specific.
Conclusions:
- Onchocerca gibsoni microfilariae secrete an immunosuppressive factor.
- This factor may suppress cell-mediated immunity, aiding parasite invasion and survival in host tissues.