Mice immunization with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense translationally controlled tumor protein modulates immunoglobulin and cytokine production, as well as parasitaemia and mice survival after challenge with the parasite

Fighting trypanosomiasis with an anti-trypanosome vaccine is ineffective, the parasite being protected by a Variable Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) whose structure modified at each peak of parasitaemia, which allows it to escape host's immune defenses. However, host immunization against essential factor for survival or expression its pathogenicity could achieve same objective. Here we present results mouse Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP), protein in Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (Tbg) secretome, responsible human trypanosomiasis. Mice was followed infection Tbg parasites. The production IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a begun after second TCTP injection dose-dependant, maximum level anti-TCTP antibodies remained stable up 4 days post-infection then decreased. Regarding cytokines (IL-2, 4, 6, 10, INF?, TNF?), most striking result their total suppression highest dose. Compared control group, immunized mice displayed reduced first 100% increase time onset peak, increased survival. effect only transient but demonstrated likely important role that plays host-parasite interactions some key proteins reduce impact.