Functional diversity of helper T lymphocytes
Article Abstract:
The helper function of the CD4+ T lymphocytes determines the two diverse immune reactions of the delayed-type hypersensitivity and antibodies to protein antigens. Various immunological approaches for the treatment of different infectious and allergic diseases are based on the role of the T-cell subsets of Th1 and Th2 in disease susceptibility. The treatment of inflammatory diseases depends on the activation of Th2 cells and the suppression of the Th1 cells. However, direct cytokine administration may be detrimental to health.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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An IL-12-based vaccination method for preventing fibrosis induced by schistosome infection
Article Abstract:
Traditional methods of preventing harmful fibrosis caused by a natural infection with Schistosoma mansoni worms involves targeting the larval stages but this has had limited effectiveness. The potential for a treatment targeting the host reaction to the infection rather than the infection itself appears promising with a significant reduction in tissue fibrosis and granuloma when treated with both interleukin-12 and eggs and even the eggs alone showed an improvement in the host pathology.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Parasitizing the cytokine system
Article Abstract:
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a cytokine, can produce egg granulomas and the schistosomes, the parasitic worms that cause schistosomiasis, employ host TNF alpha to stimulate reproduction. Researcher P. Amiri and colleagues found that the schistosome pathogens are able to use TNF when T and B lymphocytes, which form part of the body's immune system, are not present. These findings may lead the way to more research on the co-evolution of parasites and host cytokine responses.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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