Aseptic cure of pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis can be achieved after a previous subcutaneous immunization of susceptible but not resistant mice

Author(s)

Arruda, Celina ; Vaz, Celidéia A. C. ; Calich, Vera L. G. ^[3]

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Microbes and Infection; v. 9, n. 6, p. 704-713, May 2007.
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology

Abstract

The murine model of paracoccidioidomycosis, the most important South American endemic mycosis, mimics the human disease: resistance is associated with preserved cellular immunity while T-cell anergy is related with susceptibility. In the present study we asked whether a previous s.c. infection which induces strong cellular immunity would protect mice against a lethal pulmonary challenge. It was found that susceptible but not resistant mice developed immunoprotection and aseptic cure of infection. Immunoprotection led to reversal of DTH anergy, increased levels of antibodies and pulmonary IL-12, IL-2 and IL-4 indicating a balanced type 1/type 2 response. On the contrary, no marked differences in A/Sn infection and immunity were observed. Depletion experiments showed that immunoprotection required the cooperative action of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in association with IFN-gamma and IL-12. Altogether, these observations demonstrated that susceptible hosts can develop sterilizing immunity and defined the main immunological requirements to control secondary paracoccidioidomycosis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 98/13766-0 - Pulmonary Paracoccidioidomycosis in isogenic mice: characterization of mediators of natural and acquired immunity which determine resistance to the fungus
• Grantee: Vera Lucia Garcia Calich
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants