Trypanotolerance in inbred mice: an immunological basis for variation in susceptibility to infection with Trypanosoma brucei.

Previous studies have suggested that the suppression of IgM responses induced by different strains of trypanosomes can be related to the virulence of the parasite in a defined mouse strain (Sacks et al. 1980). This study has examined immunosuppression induced by Trypanosoma brucei NIM7 in two mouse strains (C3H/He and [CBA/H x C57B1/6]F1) which differ considerably in their ability to survive infections. The results confirm our previous studies in that mice were able to survive infection whilst they maintained at last a residue of their ability to mount an IgM response to DNP-Ficoll, a T-independent antigen. Complete abrogation of the IgM response coincided with fulminating parasitaemia, resulting in the death of the host.