Polyfunctional T cell responses in children in early stages of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection contrast with monofunctional responses of long-term infected adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adults with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi exhibit a poorly functional T cell compartment, characterized by monofunctional (IFN-γ-only secreting) parasite-specific T cells and increased levels of terminally differentiated T cells. It is possible that persistent infection and/or sustained exposure to parasites antigens may lead to a progressive loss of function of the immune T cells.

Methodology/principal findings

To test this hypothesis, the quality and magnitude of T. cruzi-specific T cell responses were evaluated in T. cruzi-infected children and compared with long-term T. cruzi-infected adults with no evidence of heart failure. The phenotype of CD4(+) T cells was also assessed in T. cruzi-infected children and uninfected controls. Simultaneous secretion of IFN-γ and

SUBMITTER: Albareda MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3861186 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature