Lymphocyte responses in the blood, peritoneal fluid and both mesenteric and hepatic lymph nodes of cDNA-FhPGK/pCMV vaccinated and/or Fasciola hepatica infected rats of both sexes were investigated to provide an insight into the immune responses that develop in different body compartments. The immune response that developed in cDNA-FhPGK/pCMV vaccinated females contributed to partial protection against F. hepatica infection (54% reduction in fluke recovery), while more liver flukes were found in the livers and bile ducts of cDNA-FhPGK/pCMV vaccinated male rats than in unvaccinated animals (increase of 13%). Rat sex not only affected the ultimate effectiveness of vaccination but also lymphocyte responses following vaccination and/or infection. Different CD4+ and CD8+ T cell profiles were noted in peritoneal fluid and lymph nodes, but not in blood, during acute and chronic fasciolosis. Moreover, independent lymphocyte responses developed in distinct body compartments. Immune responses of rats were polarized towards Th2/Treg with lymphocytes isolated from male rats showing higher IL-4 and IL-10 production than females. Lymphocyte proliferative capacities in response to mitogen (PHA) or vaccine antigen (FhPGK) were impaired in both sexes with a considerably higher reduction observed for males and restored lymphocyte proliferative capacities reported for females vaccinated with cDNA-FhPGK/pCMV during chronic fasciolosis.
Keywords: CD4+ and CD8+ T cells; Cytokines; DNA vaccination; Fasciola hepatica; Lymphocyte proliferation; Sex differences.
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