Our findings have shown that a previous T. gondii infection leads to a significantly increased worm fecundity, which is associated with a massive suppression of H. polygyrus-specific Th2 responses. The numbers of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13-producing GATA-3⁺ Th2 cells and eosinophils, as well as the expression of the effector molecule RELM-b in the intestinal tissues of co-infected mice is massively reduced by a preceding T. gondii infection (Ahmed et al, Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2017).

Publication:

• Maaz, D., S. Rausch, D. Richter, J. Krücken, A.A. Kühl, J. Demeler, J. Blümke, F.R. Matuschka, G. von Samson-Himmelstjerna, S. Hartmann. 2016. Susceptibility to ticks and lyme disease spirochetes is not affected in mice coinfected with nematodes. Infection and Immunity, 84: 1274-128.

Associated scientists: Dr. Sebastian Rausch, Nicole Affinass.

Third-party funds: DFG GK 2046, Project B5.