Murine nematode immunology in Australasia

Abstract

A relatively small number of laboratories in Australia and New Zealand have consistently published on murine models of nematode immunology, and the parasite species principally used are Heligmosomoides bakeri (previously Heligmosomoides polygyrus), Strongyloides ratti, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Toxocara canis. These research groups have made significant contributions to both fundamental immunology and more specialized issues in host-parasite relationships. Topics addressed include immune regulation, including the expression and control of Type 2 cytokines and the responses induced, innate and adaptive host-protective mechanisms, antigen expression and immune evasion strategies utilized by parasitic helminths. This review addresses the last 30 years of research and identifies areas in which major progress can be made, given appropriate resources.

Parasites and the immune system: a perspective from down under

“…The fine specificity of this response and the cross-regulation of cytokine production and function were most clearly demonstrated in mouse models. The review by Lindsay Dent highlights the contribution of Australian and New Zealand scientists to this field and the important role these models can continue to play, particularly in the emerging area of helminth control of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (8). Whilst helminth immunology in veterinary species was lagging behind because of a lack of immunological reagents, the pioneering work of Mal Brandon at Melbourne University in developing monoclonal antibodies against sheep immune molecules provided a major impetus for immune studies of the natural host ⁄ parasite relationship.…”