Protective immune responses against parasitic nematodes depend on CD4⁺ Th2 cells producing IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. In addition, helminth-specific IgG1 antibodies are important for protection against infectious larvae. In infections with the small intestinal nematode H. polygyrus we are analysing CD4⁺ Th2 memory cell responses after abrogation of the acute infection. Th2 memory cells persist in non-lymphoid organs such as small intestinal lamina propria, peritoneum and lung (figure) and mediate protection after adoptive transfer (Steinfelder et al. Eur J Immunol, 2017).

Publication:

• Steinfelder, S., S. Rausch, D. Michael, A. A. Kühl, S. Hartmann.2017. Intestinal helminth infection induces highly functional resident memory CD4⁺ T cells. Eur. J. Immunol., 47:353-363; doi:10.1002/eji.201646575.

Associated scientists: Dr. Svenja Steinfelder, Hongwei Zhang.