An enduring association? Microfilariae and immunosupression in lymphatic filariasis

Human filarial infection is characterized by a defect in T-cell proliferative responses which is most pronounced among actively infected individuals. This article reviews the immunomodulatory potential of the first larval stage, the blood-borne microfilariae, which has long been associated with the most profound suppression of cellular responses. In particular, we focus on the induction of host cell apoptosis following murine infection with microfilariae. Promoting the apoptotic elimination of potentially reactive T cells could represent an important means of both facilitating parasite survival and limiting inflammatory pathology.