Modification of macrophage -T cell interaction during infection of mice with Mesocestoides corti (Cestoda).

Peritoneal macrophages from Mesocestoides corti-infected mice showed a marked and progressive loss of ability to act as accessory cells for syngeneic Con A-stimulated mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes. The same effect on the macrophages could be induced by intraperitoneal injection of M. corti culture supernatant, despite a concurrent increase in numbers of peritoneal adhesive macrophages. The findings are used to compare and contrast the known immunomodulatory effects of M. corti and taeniid metacestodes, the latter differing chiefly in their potential for modifying T-cell as well as macrophage behaviour.