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(American Journal of Pathology. 2001;159:703-709.)
© 2001 American Society for Investigative Pathology

Regular Articles

Modulation of Chagasic Cardiomyopathy by Interleukin-4

Dissociation between Inflammation and Tissue Parasitism

From the Gonçalo Moniz Research Center - Fundaçào Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CChC) is characterized by an inflammatory reaction which may eventually lead to heart enlargement, arrythmia, and death. As described herein, interleukin-4-deficient mice mount increased specific T helper (Th) 1 immune responses when infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, as compared to wild-type mice. Interestingly, these mice had reduced parasitism and mortality and exacerbated inflammation in their hearts, demonstrating a clear dissociation between inflammation and parasite load. The modulation of these phenomena so as to maximize host and parasite survivals may depend on a fine balance between Th responses, in which a Th1 response will, on one hand, control parasitism and, on the other hand, enhance heart inflammation throughout the course of the infection.

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