Shift from an early protective Th1-type immune response to a late permissive Th2-type response in murine cysticercosis (Taenia crassiceps)

In early stags of experimental murine cysticercosis caused by Taenin crassiceps, there is a clear but transient Th1-type immune response (characterized by high levels of interleukin [IL]-2, interferon-gamma, concanavalin A, and antigen specific response, delayed-type hypersensitivity, and immunoglobulin [Ig]G2a antibodies) that associates with a low rate of parasite reproduction. As time of infection progresses an energic and more permanent Th2-type response follows (characterized by high Levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IgG2b, and IgG1 antibodies) that in turn associates with an increment in the rate of parasite reproduction. The sequential activation of Th1-type and Th2-type responses in murine cysticercosis would appear to favor progressively parasite reproduction explaining the long time residence and the massive parasite intensity leached in chronic infections.