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Lymphokine production by mesenteric lymph node cells from BALB/C mice during Hymenolepis nana infection
K Asano1, K Muramatsu, K Okamoto
1Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.
Insights
This study shows that T helper 1 (Th1) cells are key in the immune response to Hymenolepis nana infection. These findings suggest acute inflammation is vital for immunity against this parasite.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Hymenolepis nana is a common tapeworm parasite.
- Understanding the host immune response is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific immune cells and cytokines involved in the host response to Hymenolepis nana infection.
- To determine the role of T helper cell subtypes in Hymenolepis nana immunity.
Main Methods:
- Mesenteric lymph node cells (MLNC) from infected BALB/c mice were cultured with soluble Hymenolepis nana egg antigen.
- Proliferative responses were measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation.
- T lymphocyte surface antigens were analyzed using monoclonal antibodies.
- Cytokine levels (interleukin-2, interferon-gamma, interleukin-5) in culture supernatants were quantified.
Main Results:
- MLNC from Hymenolepis nana-infected mice showed significant proliferation in response to egg antigen.
- The proliferative response was mediated by Thy-1.2+, L3T4+ helper T cells.
- Culture supernatants contained high levels of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, but low levels of interleukin-5.
- Cytokine titers did not correlate with the time post-infection.
Conclusions:
- The Th1 subtype of helper T lymphocytes is strongly activated by Hymenolepis nana egg antigen.
- Acute inflammatory responses appear to play a significant role in host-protective immunity against Hymenolepis nana.
Abstract:
Mesenteric lymph node cells (MLNC) prepared from BALB/c mice during infection with Hymenolepis nana proliferated extensively when cultured in the presence of soluble egg antigen, as assessed by measuring 3H-thymidine incorporation. Analysis of Hymenolepis-specific proliferative cells in MLNC by using monoclonal antibody specific for mouse T lymphocyte surface antigens revealed that the proliferative response of MLNC was mediated by Thy-1.2+, L3T4+ cells, that is, helper T cells. Supernatant of MLNC cultured with egg antigen contained large amounts of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, but only low levels of interleukin-5. The titer of these cytokines did not correlate with the interval between oral infection and collection of MLNC. These results strongly indicate that the Th1 subtype of helper T lymphocytes respond well to stimulation of H. nana egg antigen and suggest that acute inflammatory responses are involved in host-protective immunity to H. nana.
