Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Cytokine regulation of immunopathology in toxoplasmosis

2007; Wiley; Volume: 85; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1038/sj.icb.7100038

1440-1711

Pamela J. Gaddi, George Yap,

Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research

Toxoplasma gondii infection is an important cause of central nervous system and ocular disease, both in immunocompromised and in certain immunocompetent populations. Although parasite‐mediated host cell lysis is probably the principal cause of tissue destruction in immunodeficiency states, hypersensitivity and inflammatory responses may underlie severe disease in otherwise immuno‐sufficient individuals. In this review, we have critically evaluated the body of experimental evidence indicating a role of CD4 T cells in systemic and local immunopathology associated with T. gondii infection. We also discuss the pathogenic roles of cytokines produced by T helper (Th) 1 and Th17 cells and the protective and homeostatic roles of interleukin (IL)‐10, transforming growth factor‐ β and IL‐27 in modulating hypersensitivity responses induced by T. gondii .