Adult Hymenolepis nana and its excretory-secretory products elicit mouse immune responses via Tuft/IL-13 signaling pathway

Abstract

Background Hosts typically elicit diverse immune responses to the infection of various parasitic worms, with intestinal tuft cells playing a pivotal role in detecting parasite invasion. Hymenolepis nana (H. nana), a zoonotic parasitic worm, resides in the host's intestine. The contribution and underlying mechanisms of tuft cell-mediated immune reactions against H. nana remain unexplored. Methods This study endeavors to examine the immune responses in the mouse intestine elicited by the adult H. nana and its excretory-secretory products (ESP). Detection of various intestinal cell counts and cytokine changes using IHC, IF, RT-qPCR, etc. Results The presence of adult H. nana and its ESP enhances the population of tuft cells and goblet cells while fostering the production of type 2 cytokines, particularly IL-13. Furthermore, the surge in Paneth cells triggered by H. nana aids in maintaining intestinal stem cells homeostasis. Notably, RCM-1, the specific IL-13 inhibitor, dampens intestinal stem cells differentiation and type 2 cytokine secretion, potentially impeding the host's capacity to eliminate H. nana. Conclusions In conclusion, the adult H. nana and its ESP stimulate the immune responses from the mouse intestinal mucosa via the Tuft/IL-13 signaling pathway, facilitating the expulsion of H. nana from the host.