Role of IL-13 in a model of Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in rats.

Abstract

IL-13 is a cytokine known to play a role in several pulmonary diseases, including asthma and fibrosis. The role of IL-13 in the context of pulmonary changes induced by helminth infection is unclear. Rats experimentally infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis and treated with anti-IL-13 neutralizing antibody were used to evaluate the role of IL-13 on functional and inflammatory changes of host lungs, and on parasite control. S. venezuelensis-induced airway hyperreactivity was IL-13-independent, but IL-13 played an essential role in driving airway mucus production and eosinophil infiltration. IL-13 was important for the control of egg production but not establishment in the intestine.

• Authors: Caroline M Ferreira, Ana T M Pereira, Rafael S de Souza, Fernanda M Coelho, Stephen Poole, Mauro M Teixeira, Deborah Negrão-Corrêa
• Journal: Microbes and infection (Microbes Infect) Vol. 12 Issue 5 Pg. 409-14 (May 2010) ISSN: 1769-714X [Electronic] France
• PMID: 20116445 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Interleukin-13

Topics

• Animals
• Eosinophils (immunology)
• Interleukin-13 (antagonists & inhibitors, immunology)
• Lung (parasitology, pathology, physiopathology)
• Male
• Mucus (metabolism)
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Respiratory Function Tests
• Strongyloides (immunology, pathogenicity)
• Strongyloidiasis (immunology, microbiology, pathology)