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Inhibition of adherence and cytotoxicity by circulating immune complexes formed in experimental filariasis

L M Karavodin, L R Ash

    Parasite Immunology
    |January 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Immune complexes in jird serum block the immune system's ability to attack Brugia pahangi microfilariae. This immune evasion may explain why microfilariae persist in infected jirds.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Parasitology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Brugia pahangi microfilariae cause persistent infections.
    • The host immune response to microfilariae is not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the interaction between jird peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and Brugia pahangi microfilariae.
    • To determine the role of serum factors and circulating immune complexes in modulating this interaction.

    Main Methods:

    • Incubation of normal jird PEC with microfilariae in the presence of antisera.
    • Heat inactivation and serum readdition experiments.
    • Precipitation of circulating immune complexes (CICs) using polyethylene glycol (PEG).
    • Assessment of adherence and cytotoxicity of PEC towards microfilariae.
    • Evaluation of complement consumption by CICs.

    Main Results:

    • Normal jird PEC adhered to and showed cytotoxicity against microfilariae when incubated with antimicrofilarial antisera.
    • Heat inactivation of antisera reduced adherence and cytotoxicity; fresh serum partially restored these reactions.
    • Macrophages were the primary adherent cells.
    • Circulating immune complexes from infected jirds significantly inhibited PEC adherence and cytotoxicity.
    • Complement consumption did not explain the inhibitory effect of CICs.

    Conclusions:

    • Circulating immune complexes in infected jirds inhibit the cellular immune response against Brugia pahangi microfilariae.
    • This inhibition of adherence and cytotoxicity by CICs may prevent microfilariae trapping in vivo.
    • Immune complexes likely contribute to the persistence of microfilaraemia in jirds.

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