Regulatory T cell expansion resolves after effective strongyloidiasis treatment in subjects with HTLV-1 co-infection

Hoces D.; Barros N.; Woll F.; Bauer A.; White A.C., Jr.; Montes M. · Parasitology International (2020) · DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102092

Resumen

Background: Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are increased in patients with HTLV-1/Strongyloides stercoralis co-infection, and they may modify otherwise protective antigen-specific cytokine production. We hypothesized that effective anti-helminthic treatment would decrease Tregs and restore antigen-specific cytokine responses. Methods/results: We enrolled 19 patients with Strongyloides larvae in their stool by Baerman's test. Six were positive and 13 negative for antibody to HTLV-1 by ELISA, with positive tests confirmed by immunoblot. Before treatment, co-infected subjects had higher Tregs percentages and lower antigen-stimulated IL-5 levels compared to subjects with Strongyloides without HTLV-1. All patients were treated with ivermectin. After effective treatment, Tregs percentages decreased in patients with HTLV-1; however, antigen-specific IL-5 production remained blunted in co-infected subjects. Conclusion: These results suggest that treating strongyloidiasis infection decreases circulating Tregs, but antigen-specific cytokine remains altered. This may reflect blunting of sensitization by Tregs.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia