Figure 8 | Scientific Reports

Figure 8

From: T-cell tolerance and exhaustion in the clearance of Echinococcus multilocularis: role of inoculum size in a quantitative hepatic experimental model

Figure 8

The balance between T cell response and parasite load determines the disease outcome of mice infected with different E. multilocularis PSC inocula. Hepatic naïve T cells (Tn) are primed and differentiate into different T cell subsets, including T1-type, T2-type, T17-type and Treg-type T cells from mice infected with different E. multilocularis PSC inocula. A low or medium parasitic load result in a protective T cell response that limits metacestode growth or even clears it, and repairs liver injury. A high parasitic load is associated with tolerance to the metacestode which counterbalances the protective response. In addition, in situations of repeated antigen stimulation due to high parasitic load and persistent inflammation, effector T cells (Te) express multiple inhibitory receptors (e.g. LAG3, 2B4, PD-153) and gradually lose their capacity to exert cytotoxicity and to produce cytokines, which enhances metacestode growth. LD: 50 PSCs; MD: 500 PSCs; HD: 2000 PSCs.

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