Analysis of immune lesions in neurocysticercosis patients: central nervous system response to helminth appears Th1-like instead of Th2

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) caused by the helminth Taenia solium is the most common parasitic infection of the human central nervous system (CNS) worldwide. Because clinical symptoms are associated with localized immunological responses in the brain, characterization of these responses are pivotal for understanding the pathogenesis of cysticercosis. Immunohistochemical analysis of brain specimens from several patients with cysticercosis revealed at least four types of immune responses, including: (i) an antibody response (IgM + plasma cells), (ii) a predominant NK response, (iii) an infiltrate with abundant macrophages and granulocytes, and (iv) an intense infiltrate with a predominance of macrophages and T cells. The intensity and type of immunity appeared to be associated somewhat with the parasite's viability and anatomical location. In most of the lesions, cell mediated responses were evident and proinflammatory cytokines including IL12 predominated. Moreover, IL4 was undetectable in the immune infiltrates. Thus, the CNS response to this helminth, unlike the systemic response, is predominately Th1-like.