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Title: Alternatively activated macrophages in helminth infections

Author
item KREIDER, TIMOTHY - NEWARK NJ
item ANTHONY, ROBERT - ROCKEFELLER U NY
item Urban, Joseph
item GAUSE, WILLIAM - NEWARK NJ

Submitted to: Current Opinions in Immunology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/16/2007
Publication Date: 8/19/2007
Citation: Kreider, T., Anthony, R.M., Urban Jr, J.F., Gause, W.C. 2008. Alternatively activated macrophages in helminth infections. Current Opinions in Immunology. 19(4)448-453.

Interpretive Summary: Helminthic parasites can trigger highly polarized immune responses typically associated with increased numbers of CD4+ Th2 cells, eosinophils, mast cells, and basophils. These cell populations are thought to coordinate an effective response ultimately leading to parasite expulsion, but they also play a role in the regulation of associated pathologic inflammation. Recent studies suggest that macrophages, conventionally associated with IFN'-dominant Th1-type responses to many bacteria and viruses, also play an essential role in the Th2-type inflammatory response. These macrophages are referred to as alternatively activated macrophages (AAM's) as they express a characteristic pattern of cell surface and secreted molecules that distinguishes them from the classically activated macrophages (CAM's) associated with microbe infections. In this review, we will discuss recent findings regarding the role of AAM's in the development of disease and host protection following helminth infection.

Technical Abstract: Helminthic parasites can trigger highly polarized immune responses typically associated with increased numbers of CD4+ Th2 cells, eosinophils, mast cells, and basophils. These cell populations are thought to coordinate an effective response ultimately leading to parasite expulsion, but they also play a role in the regulation of associated pathologic inflammation. Recent studies suggest that macrophages, conventionally associated with IFN'-dominant Th1-type responses to many bacteria and viruses, also play an essential role in the Th2-type inflammatory response. These macrophages are referred to as alternatively activated macrophages (AAM's) as they express a characteristic pattern of cell surface and secreted molecules that distinguishes them from the classically activated macrophages (CAM's) associated with microbe infections. In this review, we will discuss recent findings regarding the role of AAM's in the development of disease and host protection following helminth infection.