IL-10 blocks the development of resistance to re-infection with Schistosoma mansoni

PLoS Pathog. 2011 Aug;7(8):e1002171. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002171. Epub 2011 Aug 4.

Abstract

Despite effective chemotherapy to treat schistosome infections, re-infection rates are extremely high. Resistance to reinfection can develop, however it typically takes several years following numerous rounds of treatment and re-infection, and often develops in only a small cohort of individuals. Using a well-established and highly permissive mouse model, we investigated whether immunoregulatory mechanisms influence the development of resistance. Following Praziquantel (PZQ) treatment of S. mansoni infected mice we observed a significant and mixed anti-worm response, characterized by Th1, Th2 and Th17 responses. Despite the elevated anti-worm response in PBMC's, liver, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes, this did not confer any protection from a secondary challenge infection. Because a significant increase in IL-10-producing CD4(+)CD44(+)CD25(+)GITR(+) lymphocytes was observed, we hypothesised that IL-10 was obstructing the development of resistance. Blockade of IL-10 combined with PZQ treatment afforded a greater than 50% reduction in parasite establishment during reinfection, compared to PZQ treatment alone, indicating that IL-10 obstructs the development of acquired resistance. Markedly enhanced Th1, Th2 and Th17 responses, worm-specific IgG1, IgG2b and IgE and circulating eosinophils characterized the protection. This study demonstrates that blocking IL-10 signalling during PZQ treatment can facilitate the development of protective immunity and provide a highly effective strategy to protect against reinfection with S. mansoni.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Helminth / blood
  • Antibodies, Helminth / immunology
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Eosinophils / metabolism
  • Female
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Interleukin-10 / blood
  • Interleukin-10 / genetics
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Praziquantel / pharmacology
  • Schistosoma mansoni / immunology*
  • Schistosoma mansoni / metabolism
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / blood
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / drug therapy
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / genetics
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / immunology*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th17 Cells / immunology*
  • Th17 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / immunology*
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • IL10 protein, mouse
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Interleukin-10
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Praziquantel