Fig. 3

Cellular and humoral immune function of mice is impaired after A. cantonensis infection. a A. cantonensis infection dampened the proliferative capability of splenocytes. Splenocytes isolated from control and infected mice (7, 14, and 21 dpi) were stimulated with or without 2.0 mg/mL of ConA for 3 days, followed by evaluation of proliferation responses. b, c Blood samples were stimulated with ConA or LPS in vitro, and supernatants were collected for IFN-γ, IL-4, and TNF-α analysis by ELISA. d Data is expressed as dilution curves, with replicate samples plotted over multiple dilutions. All immunizations were done from control and 7 dpi mice, and antigen-specific antibodies were evaluated at 21 dpi to allow sufficient time for maximal T and B cell interactions and subsequent antibody synthesis. e Lungs from control and 21 dpi mice were collected for histological examination. f Blood samples from control and 21 dpi mice were collected for bacteriological analysis. Data is provided in CFU/mL of blood. Each group contained five to six mice. Values were shown as mean ± SEM. A two-tailed t test was used for statistical analysis. *, results differed from the control group; *P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001