Regulation of immune responses in lymphatic filariasis.

The nature and intensity of immune reactions to filarial antigens appear to be controlled by two broad mechanisms: immunoregulation and immune tolerance. Parasite molecules of high molecular weight activate suppressor T lymphocytes; suppressive parasite products are present in sera from microfilaraemic patients. Prenatal or perinatal exposure to soluble parasite antigens may influence a person's future ability to react to filarial antigens.