Investigating the role of CD28 costimulation and IL-4/IL-13 responsive myeloid and lymphoid cells during helminth infections in mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of CD28 in initiating protective Th2 immunity against both primary and secondary infections with N. brasiliensis. Our findings demonstrate that CD28 is required for initiation of protective Th2 immunity against primary infection with N. brasiliensis. Furthermore, the absence of CD28 impairs development of memory CD4⁺ T cell responses resulting in failure to clear adult N. brasiliensis worms during secondary infection. Failure to resolve infection was associated with reduced production of Th2 cytokines particularly IL-13 and IL-4, abrogated humoral immunity and failure to expand CXCR5⁺ TFH cells.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Ndlovu, H Hlumani

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Brombacher, Frank
• Horsnell, William

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3176

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/3176