Introduction: Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a central regulator of type 2 immunity, crucial for the defense against multicellular parasites like helminths. This study focuses on its roles and cellular sources during Litomosoides sigmodontis infection, a model for human filarial infections.
Methods: Utilizing an IL-4 secretion assay, investigation into the sources of IL-4 during the progression of L. sigmodontis infection was conducted. The impact of eosinophils on the Th2 response was investigated through experiments involving dblGATA mice, which lack eosinophils and, consequently, eosinophil-derived IL-4.
Results: The absence of eosinophils notably influenced Th2 polarization, leading to impaired production of type 2 cytokines. Interestingly, despite this eosinophil deficiency, macrophage polarization, proliferation, and antibody production remained unaffected.
Conclusion: Our research uncovers eosinophils as a major source of IL-4, especially during the early phase of filarial infection. Consequently, these findings shed new light on IL-4 dynamics and eosinophil effector functions in filarial infections.
Keywords: CD4+ T cells; Eosinophils; Interleukin-4; Macrophages; Nematode infection.
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.