The involvement of CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules in the induction of eosinophilia in mice infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.

The costimulatory signal provided by the interaction between CD28 and its ligands, CD80 and CD86, is critical for T cell activation. The requirement of CD80 and CD86 in T cell activation for eosinophilia and IgE production was examined in mice infected with the nematode parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Combined treatment with anti-CD80 and anti-CD86 suppressed eosinophilia in the blood and the small intestine and suppressed IgE production. However, administration of either anti-CD80 or anti-CD86 alone had little effect on eosinophilia and on the elevation of IgE levels. These results suggest that CD80 and CD86 costimulation is required and either CD80 or CD86 can provide a sufficient costimulatory signal for induction of eosinophilia in mice infected with N. brasiliensis.