CRYPTOSPORIDIUM-PARVUM INFECTION IN T-CELL RECEPTOR (TCR)-ALPHA-DEFICIENT AND TCR-DELTA-DEFICIENT MICE

Mice deficient in either alpha beta or gamma delta T cells were more s usceptible to infection with the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium pa rvum than were control mice. Both neonatal and adult alpha beta-T-cell -deficient mice developed chronic infection. gamma delta-T-cell-defici ent neonatal mice were more susceptible than control mice but were abl e to clear the infection. Adult gamma delta-T-cell-deficient mice were not susceptible to infection. These data indicate that alpha beta T c ells are important for resistance to C. parvum while gamma delta T cel ls have a less critical role.