Th17 responses in Echinostoma caproni infections in hosts of high and low compatibility

In order to investigate the factors determining the expulsion of intestinal helminths, we have analyzed the in vivo expression of IL-17, TGF-β and IL-23 in several tissues of two host species displaying different compatibility with Echinostoma caproni (Trematoda). We did not observe upregulation of these cytokines in any of the tissues of the high compatible host (mice). In contrast, the responses in the host of low compatibility (rats) with the parasite were markedly different. Significant increases in the expression of IL-17 and TGF-β were observed in the Peyer’s patches and the intestine from the 2 to 8 weeks post-infection. The expression of IL-23 was upregulated from 2 to 4 weeks post-infection in the spleen, Peyer’s patches and the intestine. Considering together our results with those published previously the development of chronic infections appears to be related with the development of local Th1 responses, whereas the early rejection of the worms is mediated by the development a biased Th17/Th2 phenotype. The Th17 response generated in rats may facilitate the worm expulsion via the suppression of the inflammatory Th1 responses and the increase in intestinal contractility.