[Change of splenocyte lymphokines in mice induced by recombinant BCG-Eg95 vaccine against Echinococcus granulosus].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reduction of hydatid cyst weight and change of splenocyte lymphokines in mice immunized with recombinant BCG-Eg95 vaccine of Echinococcus granulosus(Eg). METHODS: BALB/C mice were subcutaneously, intranasally, orally and intramuscularly vaccinated respectively, with BCG and PBS served as controls. The mice were challenged with Eg protoscolices 8 weeks after vaccination and sacrificed in 18 weeks after infection. The weight of hydatid cyst was measured and reduction of the weight was obtained, spleens were used to separate splenocytes which were cultured under stimulation with EgAg or ConA. The supernatant was collected to measure the level of IL-2, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-4 by ELISA. RESULTS: The hydatid cyst weight reduced by 45.77%, 18.20%, 88.05% and 92.46% respectively in the 4 immunization groups. In comparison with PBS control, the level of IL-2, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha was (30.0+/-0) pg/ml, (65.0+/-0) pg/ml and (425.0+/-10.7) pg/ml respectively in the intramuscular group with a significant increase, but that of IL-4 decreased, with a value of (10.0+/-0) pg/ml. CONCLUSION: The recombinant BCG-Eg95 vaccination induces Thl response in mice against challenge infection.