Functional characterization of protective CD4+ T-cell clones reactive to the murine malaria parasite Plasmodium chabaudi.
Year: 1992
Type: article
Abstract: Protective immunity to asexual malaria parasites appears to be mediated predominantly by the CD4+ subset of T lymphocytes. To examine the role of this T-cell population in the immune response to the murine malaria parasite Plasmodium chabaudi, CD4+ clones derived from infected mice were raised and propagated in vitro. Analysis of the reactivity of clones responsive to parasite antigen demonstrated that the CD4+ cell response is heterogeneous and is consistent with the idea of two functionally distinct CD4+ subsets. Those populations derived early during primary infection secreted interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) upon antigenic stimulation in vitro, i.e. they had a cytokine repertoire typical of the delayed-type inflammatory T-helper 1 (Th1) CD4+ subset. In contrast, cells taken after clearance of a secondary infection produced IL-4 and acted as effective helper cells for anti-malarial antibody (Ab) synthesis in vitro, and thereby had the characteristics of Th2 cells. The appearance in vivo of Th1 and then Th2 clones specific for P. chabaudi-parasitized erythrocytes (pRBC) supports the proposal from limiting culture analyses that for this malaria parasite resolution of primary parasitaemia is predominantly through the action of cytokines rather than Ab, and that final clearance requires helper cells and specific immunoglobulin.
Source: PubMed Central
Authors: A W Taylor-Robinson, R S Phillips
Institution: University of Glasgow
Language: English
Topic: Malaria Research and Control
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2260445928