Evaluation of the immune response of male and female rats vaccinated with cDNA encoding a cysteine proteinase of Fasciola hepatica (FhPcW1)

Acta Parasitol. 2013 Jun;58(2):198-206. doi: 10.2478/s11686-013-0120-3. Epub 2013 May 11.

Abstract

Not only do males and females of many species vary in their responses to certain parasitic infections, but also to treatments such as vaccines. However, there are very few studies investigating differences among sexes following vaccination and infection. Here we demonstrate that female Sprague-Dawley rats vaccinated with cDNA encoding a recently discovered cysteine proteinase of Fasciola hepatica (FhPcW1) develop considerably lower liver fluke burdens after F. hepatica infection than their male counterparts. This is accompanied by differences in the course of their immune responses which involve different eosinophil and monocyte responses throughout the study as well as humoral responses. It is evident that host gender influences the outcome of parasitic infections after vaccination and research on both sexes should be considered when developing new treatments against parasites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Cysteine Proteases / administration & dosage
  • Cysteine Proteases / genetics
  • Cysteine Proteases / immunology*
  • DNA, Complementary / administration & dosage*
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Fasciola hepatica / enzymology
  • Fasciola hepatica / immunology*
  • Fascioliasis / immunology*
  • Fascioliasis / parasitology
  • Fascioliasis / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Sex Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vaccination
  • Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Vaccines / genetics
  • Vaccines / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Vaccines
  • Cysteine Proteases