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Clinical Microbiology Reviews, October 1998, p. 569-588, Vol. 11, No. 4
0893-8512/98/$04.00+0
Copyright © 1998, American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.

Regulation and Function of T-Cell-Mediated Immunity during Toxoplasma gondii Infection

Eric Y. Denkers1,* and Ricardo T. Gazzinelli2

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401,1 and Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30161-970, MG, Brazil2

The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread opportunistic parasite of humans and animals. Normally, T. gondii establishes itself within brain and skeletal muscle tissues, persisting for the life of the host. Initiating and sustaining strong T-cell-mediated immunity is crucial in preventing the emergence of T. gondii as a serious pathogen. The parasite induces high levels of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma ) during initial infection as a result of early T-cell as well as natural killer (NK) cell activation. Induction of interleukin-12 by macrophages is a major mechanism driving early IFN-gamma synthesis. The latter cytokine, in addition to promoting the differentiation of Th1 effectors, is important in macrophage activation and acquisition of microbicidal functions, such as nitric oxide release. During chronic infection, parasite-specific T lymphocytes release high levels of IFN-gamma , which is required to prevent cyst reactivation. T-cell-mediated cytolytic activity against infected cells, while easily demonstrable, plays a secondary role to inflammatory cytokine production. While part of the clinical manifestations of toxoplasmosis results from direct tissue destruction by the parasite, inflammatory cytokine-mediated immunopathologic changes may also contribute to disease progression.

* Corresponding author. Mailing address: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401. Phone: (607) 253-4022. Fax: (607) 253-3384. E-mail: eyd1{at}cornell.edu.

Clinical Microbiology Reviews, October 1998, p. 569-588, Vol. 11, No. 4
0893-8512/98/$04.00+0
Copyright © 1998, American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.


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Copyright © 1998 by the American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.