Regulatory T cell induction during Plasmodium chabaudi infection modifies the clinical course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is used as an animal model for human multiple sclerosis (MS), which is an inflammatory demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by activation of Th1 and/or Th17 cells. Human autoimmune diseases can be either exacerbated or suppressed by infectious agents. Recent studies have shown that regulatory T cells play a crucial role in the escape mechanism of Plasmodium spp. both in humans and in experimental models. These cells suppress the Th1 response against the parasite and prevent its elimination. Regulatory T cells have been largely associated with protection or amelioration in several autoimmune diseases, mainly by their capacity to suppress proinflammatory response.

Methodology/princip

SUBMITTER: Farias AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3064572 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature