Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in murine strongyloidiasis

The immunological changes occurring after primary and challenge infections with Strongyloides ratti in C57B1/6 mice are described. Serum IgM and IgG antibodies against Strongyloides antigen appeared one week after primary infection. The levels of antibody in both immunoglobulin classes increased markedly after secondary infection and persisted for at least 6 weeks. Immediate hypersensitivity (15 min footpad) reactions were transient after a primary infection, but were marked and persistent after a secondary infection. Arthus (5 h footpad) reactions were mild and very transient after a primary infection, but a persistent anamnestic response was seen after challenge infection. Cell-mediated immune (24 h footpad) reactions were marked 1 week after both primary and secondary infections but were not sustained in either case. Antigen-reactive cells were present in the mesenteric lymph nodes 1 week after primary infection and 1-4 weeks after challenge infection. No antigen-reactive cells were noted in the spleen. Mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells and spleen cells from infected or uninfected animals were stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) but did not differ significantly in their 3H thymidine incorporation. A transient eosinophilia was observed after primary infection and an anamnestic response was noted after challenge infection. The possible roles of these immunological responses to worm rejection and immunopathology are considered.