Mast cell production of IL-4 and TNF may be required for protective and pathological responses in gastrointestinal helminth infection

Ierna, M.X., Scales, H.E. , Saunders, K.L. and Lawrence, C.E. (2008) Mast cell production of IL-4 and TNF may be required for protective and pathological responses in gastrointestinal helminth infection. Mucosal Immunology, 1, pp. 147-155. (doi: 10.1038/mi.2007.16) (PMID:19079172)

Abstract

Expulsion of the gastrointestinal nematode Trichinella spiralis is associated with Th2 responses and intestinal inflammation, which correlate with a marked mast cell (MC) response. To address the role of MC-derived cytokines in the induction of protective responses, WBB6F1-KitW/KitW-v (W/Wv) mice were reconstituted with wild-type, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-/-, or interleukin (IL)-4-/- bone marrow (BM) prior to infection with T. spiralis. W/Wv mice reconstituted with TNF-alpha-/- or IL-4-/- BM expelled the parasite less efficiently and showed diminished enteropathy, whereas protective responses were normal in W/Wv mice reconstituted with wild-type BM and were accompanied by intestinal pathology. MC responses were reduced in W/Wv mice reconstituted with IL-4-/- BM and to a lesser extent when reconstituted with TNF-alpha-/-. These results suggest that MC-derived IL-4 and TNF may regulate the induction of protective Th2 responses and intestinal inflammation associated with the expulsion of T. spiralis. Significantly, these studies suggest a role for MC-derived cytokines as autocrine growth factors.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Scales, Dr Hannah
• Authors: Ierna, M.X., Scales, H.E., Saunders, K.L., and Lawrence, C.E.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Mucosal Immunology
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• ISSN: 1933-0219
• ISSN (Online): 1935-3456
• Published Online: 23 January 2008