Resistance to acute babesiosis is associated with interleukin-12- and gamma interferon-mediated responses and requires macrophages and natural killer cells.
Aguilar-Delfin I, Wettstein PJ, Persing DH.
Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Abstract
We examined the role of the cytokines gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) in the model of acute babesiosis with the WA1 Babesia.
Mice genetically deficient in IFN-gamma-mediated responses (IFNGR2KO mice) and IL-12-mediated responses (Stat4KO mice) were infected with the WA1 Babesia, and observations were made on the course of infection and cytokine responses.
Levels of IFN-gamma and IL-12 in serum increased 24 h after parasite inoculation.
The augmented susceptibility observed in IFNGR2KO and Stat-4KO mice suggests that the early IL-12- and IFN-gamma-mediated responses are involved in protection against acute babesiosis.
Resistance appears to correlate with an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production.
In order to assess the contribution of different cell subsets to resistance against the parasite, we also studied mice lacking B cells, CD4+ T cells, NK cells, and macrophages. Mice genetically deficient in B lymphocytes or CD4+ T lymphocytes were able to mount protective responses comparable to those of immunosufficient mice.
In contrast, in vivo depletion of macrophages or NK cells resulted in elevated susceptibility to the infection.
Our observations suggest that a crucial part of the response that protects from the pathogenic Babesia WA1 is mediated by macrophages and NK cells, probably through early production of IL-12 and IFN-gamma, and induction of macrophage-derived effector molecules like NO.
PMID: 12654819 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]PMCID: PMC152030Free PMC Article
seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
So does this mean my low CD57 of 28 causes me incapable of stopping WA-1?
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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I know the immune system is very complicated and I don't know a lot about it.
But this article really makes me think about a few things that hubby and I have observed over the course of his illness.
1) Back in 2002 I think it was -- after his first Rocephin treatment and before he had any babesia treatment -- about 6 months off antibiotics -- an alternative doc had hubby try lyme specific transfer factor -- forget the brand name now.
Anyway hubby would always have a seizure-like episode about 1/2 hour after taking this supplement. I really have to wonder if the supplement was actually working to improve his immune system and causing a herx-like reaction.
Hubby kept taking the supplement for 2 or 3 months and eventually the reaction decreased. When he finally had his first CD57 test his results were around 150 -- not bad after being sick for 3 plus years. Numbers now are much lower.
2) Hubby tried a couple of peptide shots once -- supposed to boost your imune system. The increase in WBC's went away within a week. But I think it was a month later he had the paralytic ileus (the CDC put out a bulletin about the virus at the time).
3) Hubby started on LDN on 11/26/10 -- got a cold -- we do know he was exposed to a couple of people in LLMD office. We have been wondering if starting this supplement contributed to his current crash. He was at 2.25 mg for about 2 weeks and then increased the dose to 4.5 mg.
I really really wish the researchers would study exactly how these tickborne infections affect and are affected by changes in the immune system.
For now hubby has stopped the LDN until his next LLMD appointment. Trying to go with a minimum of meds as obviously some new ones will be added.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
The immune system is so complex. I started LDN last year. Is what brought my babs symptoms to light. I started getting night sweats and some one told me, maybe the LDN got my immune system working better,which woke up the babs. I am not good at explaining things. Is how I understand it.
I believe the LDN is helping me. I also believe in the power of believing.
I have a cold today. Maybe my immune system is finially getting back on track??? I haven't had a cold in years. Not since I was almost better a few years ago.
blinkie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14470
posted
When I got well on bactrim and rifampin, I had just finished a heavy round of lyme abx. I think my immune system was in better shape and dealing with the babs while attacking it with bactrim sealed the deal...at least temporarily.
Posts: 1104 | From N.California | Registered: Jan 2008
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