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- Title
Stimulation of Human T Lymphocytes Obtained from Toxoplasma gondii-Seronegative Persons by Proteins Derived from T. gondii.
- Authors
Purner, Matthew B.; Berens, Randolph L.; Tomavo, Stanislas; Lecordier, Laurece; Cesbron-Delauw, Marie-France; Kotzin, Brian L.; Curiel, Tyler J.
- Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii antigens are superantigens in mice. To investigate a superantigen effect in humans, lymphocytes from T. gondii-seronegative subjects were studied for proliferation to T. gondii antigens (TA). Marked cellular proliferation, predominantly of CD4+ lymphocytes, was apparent. TA elicited expansions of Vβ-bearing lymphocytes in all subjects, but different Vβ-bearing lymphocytes were expanded in different subjects in both CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations. Cord blood cells also proliferated to TA. Previously fixed antigen-presenting cells were unable to present TA. Thus, T. gondii appears to produce a molecule(s) that induces polyclonal activation of human T cells and requires antigen processing to mediate this effect. That T. gondii does not appear to behave as a superantigen in humans is important in understanding the pathogenesis of T. gondii infection in immunocompromised hosts and in the design of anti-T. gondii vaccines.
- Publication
Journal of Infectious Diseases, 1998, Vol 177, Issue 3, p746
- ISSN
0022-1899
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1086/514216