Human Immune Response to Sand Fly Saliva
Author Information
Author(s): Abdeladhim Maha, Ben Ahmed Mélika, Marzouki Soumaya, Belhadj Hmida Nadia, Boussoffara Thouraya, Belhaj Hamida Nabil, Ben Salah Afif, Louzir Hechmi
Primary Institution: Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
Hypothesis
The saliva of Phlebotomus papatasi induces a cellular immune response in humans that may affect the outcome of leishmaniasis.
Conclusion
The study shows that exposure to Phlebotomus papatasi saliva activates IL-10-producing CD8+ T cells, which may have a detrimental effect on human leishmaniasis outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Nearly 30% of individuals showed a proliferative response to sand fly saliva.
- IL-10 production was significantly higher in individuals with a positive proliferative response.
- Blocking IL-10 enhanced the proliferation and IFN-γ production of stimulated PBMC.
Takeaway
When people are bitten by sand flies, their bodies react by making special cells that can help or hurt them against diseases like leishmaniasis.
Methodology
The study analyzed the cellular immune response against sand fly saliva in humans using flow cytometry and cytokine production assays.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of participants from endemic and non-endemic regions.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable to all populations due to the specific demographics of the participants.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 36 individuals, with ages ranging from 15 to 73 years, from both endemic and non-endemic regions in Tunisia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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