Significance of local formation of immune complexes within granulomata in schistosomiasis
Houba, V.; Sturrock, R.F.; Butterworth, A.E.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 114: 683-685
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0065-2598 PMID: 111487 Document Number: 141794
Studies of the phenomenon of diminishing granulomata, carried out on liver samples from baboons infected with Schistosoma mansoni, are briefly discussed. It is concluded that formation of immune complexes between egg antigens and IgM antibodies may explain the diminution of granuloma size due to competition for the antigens. This interference of a humoral mechanism with a cellular (delayed type) reaction represents a rather rare example of a beneficial mechanism in the immunopathology of parasitic diseases.