Immunopathogenesis of Neurocysticercosis: Role of Cytokines

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is caused by the larva of Taenia solium, when it is lodged in the central nervous system (CNS). NCC is identified as the major cause of community acquired epilepsy, especially in the developing countries. It is also increasingly being reported in the developed world due to human migration from the disease endemic countries. However, some individuals with similar NCC lesions may remain asymptomatic and the reason for this asymptomatic status largely remains unknown. However, studies from our center suggest that cytokines play important role in disease pathogenesis. In the present review, we have discussed the role of different cytokines in the pathogenesis of NCC in human.

Experimental neurocysticercosis: absence of IL-4 induces lower encephalitis

“…Zepeda et al 21 showed that T. crassiceps antigens are able to induce inflammation in the brain tissue and apoptosis of hippocampal cells. Histological studies have shown that viable cysticerci, such as the ones in our study, have little or no surrounding inflammation in humans and pigs; while degenerating or dead cysticerci, which were not found in our study, had an inflammatory response in their surroundings 24 . In our study, all infected animals showed ependymitis, meningitis and perivasculitis.…”

“…When mononuclear cells from human asymptomatic NCC patients are stimulated in vitro, it is possible to observe the increased production of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, which are Th2 cytokines 27 . However, when the mononuclear cells are collected from symptomatic NCC patients, the profile of the cytokines produced are quite different, with a predominance of IFN-gamma, IL-17, IL-23 and TNF-alpha, which are from the Th2 profile 24 . Asymptomatic NCC patients from endemic areas have shown a Th2 response with production of IgG4, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 27 .…”