Differential Vbeta T-cell receptor usage during chronic experimental schistosomiasis corresponds with distinct pathological presentations.

CBA/J male mice with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infections display either moderate splenomegaly syndrome (MSS) or hypersplenomegaly syndrome (HSS). As MSS and HSS mice differ in several immunologic characteristics, we investigated T-cell receptor Vbeta usage. The groups had significantly different expression of several Vbetas, suggesting a relationship between the T-cell repertoire and schistosomiasis pathology.