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Heligmosomoides polygyrus immunomodulatory factor (IMF), targets T-lymphocytes
G Telford1, D J Wheeler, P Appleby
1Knoll Pharmaceuticals, Research Department R3, Nottingham, UK.
Parasite Immunology
|February 17, 1999
Summary
A gastrointestinal nematode factor (IMF) from Heligmosomoides polygyrus suppresses T-helper 2 cell activity. This immunomodulatory factor likely aids parasite survival by down-regulating immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal nematodes secrete factors to modulate host immunity.
- Heligmosomoides polygyrus is a nematode that infects rodents.
- Understanding parasite-secreted immunomodulatory factors is crucial for host-parasite interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunological site of action of an immunomodulatory factor (IMF) from Heligmosomoides polygyrus.
- To determine the cellular mechanisms by which IMF affects immune responses.
- To elucidate the potential role of IMF in parasite survival.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of IMF from Heligmosomoides polygyrus.
- Inhibition assays using murine and human T-helper 2 (Th-2) driven immunoassays.
- T cell depletion experiments to identify the responsive cell type.
- Cell subset prepulsing with IMF to confirm cellular targets.
Main Results:
- IMF significantly inhibited antibody production in Th-2 driven immunoassays.
- The inhibitory effects of IMF were mediated through T lymphocytes.
- T cell-depleted cultures did not respond to IMF, confirming T cell involvement.
- IMF appears to be a small, non-proteinaceous molecule.
Conclusions:
- Heligmosomoides polygyrus secretes a systemically-active IMF from the intestinal lumen.
- IMF down-regulates Th-2 cell development, promoting parasite survival.
- The findings suggest a novel mechanism for nematode immune evasion.