Research findings from M.S. Duthie et al update understanding of immunotherapy
2007 NOV 21 -- "Trypanosoma cruzi infection causes Chagas' disease, a chronic inflammatory disease. The specific inflammatory responses that cause Chagas' disease remain unclear, but data argue that parasites that persist in the host stimulate chronic self-damaging immune responses. Because T. cruzi appears to stimulate self-damaging responses, the enthusiasm to develop vaccines that boost antiparasite responses that might increase self-damaging responses has been limited," scientists writing in the journal Clinical and Vaccine Immunology report. "We previously demonstrated that immunization with a T. cruzi transsialidase protein or adoptive transfer of trans-sialidase-specific T-cell clones decreased parasitemia, morbidity, and mortality. Here we report that immunization or adoptive transfer with the protein or clones, before or during T. cruzi infection, boosts the anti-T. cruzi immune response without exacerbating acute or chronic tissue inflammation," wrote M.S. Duthie and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "These results argue that prophylactic and therapeutic immunotherapy for Chagas' disease can be developed safely." Duthie and colleagues published their study in Clinical and Vaccine Immunology (Parasite-induced chronic inflammation is not exacerbated by immunotherapy before or during Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 2007;14(8):1005-1012). Additional information can be obtained by contacting S.J. Kahn, IDRI, 1124 Columbia St., Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. The publisher of the journal Clinical and Vaccine Immunology can be contacted at: American Society Microbiology, 1752 N St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-2904, USA. Keywords: United States, Seattle, Biological Therapy, Immunotherapy, Treatment. This article was prepared by Immunotherapy Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Immunotherapy Weekly via NewsRx.com.
|
