X-linked immunodeficiency affects the outcome of Schistosoma mansoni infection in the murine model.

The incidence of the X-linked immunodeficiency (Xid) on the outcome of Schistosoma mansoni infection has been evaluated through a comparative analysis of parasitological and immune parameters in two different mouse strains: control BALB/c and BALB. Xid mice which carry the Xid mutation and lack B1 (CD5+ B) cells. This study clearly demonstrates that infected B1 cell-deficient animals display a higher susceptibility to S. mansoni infection as revealed by an increase in the tissue egg loads and a significantly elevated mortality, as well as an increase in the granuloma densities. The analysis of the humoral and the cellular responses, conducted in the same experimental conditions, indicates differences in terms of cytokine production after specific antigenic stimulation of splenocytes. Larger amounts of IFN-gamma and IL-4 are observed in BALB. Xid mice while IL-10 production is reduced. In parallel, the study of the specific antibody isotype profiles shows higher amounts of specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies and lower amounts of IgM and IgA in BALB. Xid mice. Taken together, these observations support the idea that B cells are playing a role in the ability of mice to tolerate infection with Schistosoma mansoni.