Schistosoma mansoni infection reduces severity of collagen-induced arthritis via down-regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators

作者：Osada Yoshio^*; Shimizu Shoichi; Kumagai Takashi; Yamada Sohsuke; Kanazawa Tamotsu

来源：International Journal for Parasitology, 2009, 39(4): 457-464.

DOI：10.1016/j.ijpara.2008.08.007

• Schistosoma mansoni
• Arthritis
• Cytokines
• IL-17
• Receptor activator of NF kappa B (RANKL)

Various experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that helminth infections affect outcomes of allergic or autoimmune disorders. Here, we examined the effects of Schistosoma mansoni infection on mouse collagen-induced arthritis, one of the most widely used animal models for rheumatoid arthritis. Male DBA/1 mice were infected with S. mansoni 2 weeks prior to being immunized with type 11 collagen (IIC). Cytokine mRNA expression in mouse paws, cytokine production by ConA-stimulated spleen cells, and anti-IIC antibodies were evaluated in addition to the severity of arthritis. S. mansoni infection significantly reduced the severity of arthritis. Anti-IIC IgG and IgG2a levels were lower in infected than uninfected mice. With regard to cytokine producing potentials in the infected mice, the down-regulation of Th1 (IFN gamma) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF alpha and IL-17A), and up-regulation of Th2 (IL-4) and an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) were observed. In addition, real-time PCR revealed that the augmentation of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1 beta. IL-6 and receptor activator of NF kappa B in inflamed paws was abrogated by S. mansoni infection. In conclusion, schistosome infection reduced the severity Of autoimmune arthritis via systemic and local suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators, suggesting the potential of parasite-derived materials as therapeutic agents against rheumatoid arthritis.

• 出版日期2009-3