Thymus-related cellular immune mechanisms in sex-associated resistance to experimental murine cysticercosis (Taenia crassiceps).

The role of sex, thymus, and cellular immune mechanisms in mouse resistance to experimental cysticercosis with Taenia crassiceps was studied in male and female susceptible mice treated with cyclophosphamide, as well as in mice neonatally thymectomized and passively transferred with T-enriched lymphoid cells. High doses of cyclophosphamide increased delayed hypersensitivity and resistance of mice of both sexes without affecting antibody production. Neonatal thymectomy diminished resistance in both sexes but depressed delayed hypersensitivity in females only, without significantly affecting antibody response in either sex. Passive transfer of T-enriched lymphoid cells to thymectomized mice restored resistance to control levels without greatly affecting delayed hypersensitivity. Thus, our results indicate that cell-associated immune mechanisms are implicated in resistance to murine cysticercosis with T. crassiceps. Because neonatal thymectomy nearly equalized the intensity of infection of female and male mice, it is argued that the thymus is importantly involved in the interaction between gonads and the immune system in the control of this cysticercosis.