Evaluate Toxocara Canis Excretory-Secretory Antigens in Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE)

BACKGROUND: Toxocara canis is the most prevalent intestinal roundworm of canid species. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of Toxocara canis excretory-secretory antigens (TcES Ag) on modulating the immune system in Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. METHODS: Adult worms of T.canis were collected from dogs to obtain excretory-secretory antigens. Female C57BL/6mice divided to four groups (5 mice in each) including: group 1 (MOG +TcES Ag), 2 (MOG), 3 (normal) and 4 (TcES Ag). EAE was induced in groups 1 and 2 using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide. Before EAE induction, TcES Ag was injected in group 1. Twenty nine after EAE induction, mice spleens were removed. Mononuclear cells were cultured and used for RNA extraction.Real Time PCR was performed to evaluate RNA expression levels of T-bet (Th1 lineage-specific transcription factor), GATA-3 (Th2 transcription factor), and FOXP3 (Treg transcription factor). RESULTS: Our results indicated the clinical signs (disability score) of mice in group 1 significantly were decreased as compared to the control group. Gene expression of T-bet in the TcES Ag treatment groupmarkedly were diminished compared to MOG and normal group. The expression of GATA-3 gene in group 1 was lower than that in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the TcES Ag may reduce disability score in multiple sclerosis EAE model, and other recombinant antigens should be examined.