In vivo and in vitro interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi with mouse macrophages and heart muscle cells--film presentation.

Abstract

In research on the immunopathology of Chagas infection in the mammalian host, the study of the interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi with host cells is of specific interest. We have shown in a new mouse footpad model that processing of T. cruzi inside macrophages depends on the immune status of the host animal. Macrophages from normal mice act as host cells while macrophages from specifically sensitized (immunocompetent) animals act as active phagocytes. It is demonstrated in nude mice and reconstituted nude mice that this “switch” from host to phagocyte is T-lymphocyte dependent.