Immune response to parasites. Chapter: B cell response to parasite infections: a survival battle between hosts and parasites.

CAROLINA L MONTES; DANIELA A BERMEJO; MARIA C AMEZCUA VESELY; EVA V ACOSTA RODRIGUEZ; ADRIANA GRUPPI

"Immune Response to Parasitic Infections "

Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.

Lugar: Sharjah U.A.E; Año: 2010; p. 1 - 9

Parasites interact with different B cell compartments triggering, in most cases, a vigorous antibody response. Unfortunately, this response is not necessarily protective; indeed, it can be harmful for the host. In this chapter we describe how protozoan parasites and helmints induce mature B cell responses and how B cells influence the characteristics of T cell response involved in parasite control. To protect themselves, the parasites develop unique ways to evade B cell responses, including changes in their antigenic coat and induction of immunosuppression and apoptosis of B cells. We discuss how parasites elude B cell immunity establishing a favourable balance that drives the infection to chronicity.