Natural killer cells (NK) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) components of Schistosoma mansoni infection.

Schistosoma mansoni cercariae were used to infect CBA-J mice, a strain characterized by possessing a high level of NK cells. 4 days after infection with cercariae, the natural cytotoxic capacity of these mice, as measured by NK and ADCC, reached a peak level of enhancement significantly greater than that of uninfected controls. Infection by this parasite appears to activate natural cell-mediated immune defense systems. Further observation of the pattern of response of NK and ADCC effector cells to infection by cercariae may reveal important information regarding the inherent immunity to the schistosome infection.