Consider a helminthic infection in which an individual is colonized by a parasitic worm. The worm is too big to be engulfed by a

Question

larisa86 [58]

3 years ago

15

Consider a helminthic infection in which an individual is colonized by a parasitic worm. The worm is too big to be engulfed by a

phagocytic cell. How does the immune system respond?

Biology

1 answer:

Assoli18 [71] · Answer 1 · 2022-02-14T06:20:37+03:00

Answer

The worm gets coated with antibodies, which activate other cells in the immune system to secrete chemicals that kill it.

Explanation:

Production of T-helper I cytokines like IFN gamma, IL-2 and IL-18 is highly protective against helminth infection by activating the macrophage intracellular killers. Protection against mucosal eosinophil responses in which antiparasitic chemicals are released. Killing also involves direct cytotoxic mechanisms in which T- cell and NK-cells directly release antiparasitic agents like perforin and granulysin which kill the parasite.