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Memory TH2 cells induce alternatively activated macrophages to mediate protection against nematode parasites

2006; Nature Portfolio; Volume: 12; Issue: 8 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1038/nm1451

1546-170X

Robert M. Anthony, Joseph F. Urban, Farhang Alem, Hossein A. Hamed, Cristina Rozo, Jean‐Luc Boucher, Nico van Rooijen, William C. Gause,

Parasite Biology and Host Interactions

Although primary and memory responses against bacteria and viruses have been studied extensively, T helper type 2 (TH2) effector mechanisms leading to host protection against helminthic parasites remain elusive1. Examination of the intestinal epithelial submucosa of mice after primary and secondary infections by a natural gastrointestinal parasite revealed a distinct immune-cell infiltrate after challenge, featuring interleukin-4–expressing memory CD4+ T cells that induced IL-4 receptorhi (IL-4Rhi) CD206+ alternatively activated macrophages2. In turn, these alternatively activated macrophages (AAMacs) functioned as important effector cells of the protective memory response contributing to parasite elimination, demonstrating a previously unknown mechanism for host protection against intestinal helminths.