Advances in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis using an isogenic murine model.

A genetically controlled murine model of paracoccidioidomycosis which allowed us to investigate several parameters of the host-parasite interactions was established in our laboratory. Natural resistance and acquired immune responses to P. brasiliensis infection were investigated employing resistant and susceptible mice infected with highly virulent or slightly virulent P. brasiliensis isolates. Resistant mice inoculated with a highly virulent P. brasiliensis isolate present efficient macrophage activation, presence of DTH response, low levels of specific antibody and a tendency to resolution of the infectious process, suggesting that a T helper-1 mode of immune response is mounted. Susceptible mice, on the contrary, seem to mount a predominantly T helper-2 type of immune response activation in which an inefficient macrophage activation, depressed DTH reactions and high levels of antibodies result in progressive disease. The crucial role of the fungal virulence on the outcome of the infection of susceptible and resistant mice is also demonstrated, thus reinforcing the idea that both the innate resistance of the host and the pathogenicity of the fungal cells are determinant on the outcome of the disease. This model is proposed as a framework of our current knowledge of the host-parasite interactions in paracoccidioidomycosis and as a basis for future challenge in continuing analyses.