Litomosoides sigmodontis induces TGF-β receptor responsive, IL-10-producing T cells that suppress bystander T-cell proliferation in mice

Helminth parasites suppress immune responses to prolong their survival within the mammalian host. Thereby not only helminth-specific but also nonhelminth-specific bystander immune responses are suppressed. Here, we use the murine model of Litomosoides sigmodontis infection to elucidate the underlying mechanisms leading to this bystander T-cell suppression. When OT-II T cells specific for the third-party antigen ovalbumin are transferred into helminth-infected mice, these cells respond to antigen-specific stimulation with reduced proliferation compared to activation within non-infected mice. Thus, the presence of parasitic worms in the thoracic cavity translates to suppression of T cells with a different specificity at a different site. By eliminating regulatory receptors, cytokines, and cell populations from this system, we provide evidence for a two-staged process. Parasite products first engage the TGF-beta receptor on host-derived T cells that are central to suppression. In a second step, host-derived T cells produce IL-10 and subsequently suppress the adoptively transferred OT-II T cells. Terminal suppression was IL-10-dependant but independent of intrinsic TGF-beta receptor-or PD-1-mediated signaling in the suppressed OT-II T cells. Blockade of the same key suppression mediators, i.e. TGF-beta- and IL-10 receptor, also ameliorated the suppression of IgG response to bystander antigen vaccination in L. sigmodontis-infected mice.