Abstract
The immunodominant CD4 T cell epitope region, Th2R, of the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum is highly polymorphic. Such variation might be utilized by the parasite to escape from or interfere with CD4 T cell effector functions. Here, we show that costimulation with naturally occurring altered peptide ligands (APL) can induce a rapid change from IFNγ production to the immunosuppressive mediator interleukin 10 (IL- 10). This mechanism may contribute to the low levels of T cell responses observed to this pathogen in malaria-endemic areas.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 651-660 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Immunity |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 1999 |
Externally published | Yes |