The development of specific IgG4 and IgE in a paediatric population is influenced by filarial endemicity and gender

Abstract

We set out to study how anti-filarial IgG4 and IgE, which have been studied extensively in adult populations, are influenced by gender and by the degree of filarial endemicity during childhood. Development of specific IgG4 and IgE was examined in 502 children aged 3 months to 12 years, who were resident in 3 villages in South-Sulawesi with microfilaria prevalences of 6, 23 and 42 %. Specific IgG4 and IgE could be detected as early as 18 months after birth, in low amounts, and increased to levels comparable to those produced by adults at the age of 3 years. A higher prevalence of anti-filarial IgG4 in boys, indicating higher filarial infection compared to girls, became apparent after the age of 7. The specific IgG4 response was strongly influenced by the degree of filarial endemicity and production of this antibody was considerably delayed in the low transmission village. With respect to IgE, it was noted that specific IgE was consistently higher in boys from infancy onwards indicating a predisposition for high IgE production in males. The influence of filarial endemicity was less profound on IgE thaon on IgG4. In conclusion, reactivity to filarial antigens begins early in life and is differentially influenced by gender and transmission intensity.

Filarial-Specific Antibody Response in East African Bancroftian Filariasis: Effects of Host Infection, Clinical Disease, and Filarial Endemicity

“…More recent studies have also highlighted the role that filarial endemicity or community transmission intensity may play in immune processes in filariasis. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Not only may specific anti-filarial antibody responses be related to transmission intensity, but acquired immunity and immunopathologic responses may also be functions of filariasis endemicity or level of parasite transmission. [10][11][12][13] Population dynamic studies of the stimulation and regulation of immune responses to parasitic infection have furthermore highlighted the key role that nonlinear interactions of immune components with exposure intensity may play in regulating either a host protective response or immunologic unresponsiveness (tolerance) to parasitic infection.…”

PREVALENCE AND LEVELS OF FILARIA-SPECIFIC URINARY IgG4 AMONG CHILDREN LESS THAN FIVE YEARS OF AGE AND THE ASSOCIATION OFANTIBODY POSITIVITY BETWEEN CHILDREN AND THEIR MOTHERS

“…In areas endemic for Brugia malayi, the influence of filarial endemicity levels on the prevalence and the level of serum IgG4 in early childhood has been reported. 11 After day 1,000, the number of antibodypositive cases and their antibody levels increased rapidly. The degree of this increase could be another indicator of transmission intensity.…”

Protective Immunity in Human Filariasis: A Role for Parasite‐Specific IgA Responses

“…Immune responses to filarial antigens are differentially influenced by sex; males are genetically predisposed to have lower production of IgE than females, causing enhanced pathology [43]. Increased susceptibility in males has also been reported in animal models of filariasis [44,45].…”