Cellular Factors in Acquired Immunity to Trichinella Spiralis, as Indicated by Cortisone Treatment of Mice

Abstract

Cortisone given to mice immunized against T. spiralis caused: (1) an elimination of established immunity as judged by adult worm counts from the small intestine of various groups of mice 7 days after a challenging infection with larval worms, and (2) a firm suppression, for at least 9 days following the challenging infection, of the characteristic cellular response shown for immune controls. Results of the experiment, when considered in the light of additional evidence drawn from the literature, are in harmony with the hypothesis that the immunity mechanism against this parasite in mice is due to the primary action(s) of specific antibodies with secondary cellular cooperation. Moreover, results seem to indicate that the cellular factor is of greater importance than the serologic factor(s) in bringing about the actual elimination of the worms from the small intestine. A possible mechanism for this postulated effect of the cellular reaction is discussed.