Abstract
MAST cells are thought to have a major role in the host response to parasitic helminths. Infection with these organisms is often accompanied by anaphylactic hypersensitivity and mast cell infiltration1. In several experimental models, host resistance to helminth infection has been shown to be dramatically suppressed as a result of mast cell depletion1. For example, after injection with reserpine, laboratory mice are unable to mount a cutaneous inflammatory response against Schistosoma mansoni (A.S., P. W. Askenase, S. McIntyre and F. von Lichtenberg, unpublished) and after pretreatment with compound 48/80 can no longer immunologically reject challenge infections of this parasite2. Interactions between mast cells and helminths have generally been attributed to soluble antigens released into tissue fluids. Described here is a series of in vitro experiments with schistosomula of S. mansoni which demonstrates that mast cells are also capable of reacting directly with parasite surfaces. This interaction appears to depend on the recognition of parasite-bound complement by receptors on the mast-cell membrane.
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SHER, A. Complement-dependent adherence of mast cells to schistosomula. Nature 263, 334–336 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/263334a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/263334a0
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