The third-stage larva (L3) of Brugia: its role in immune modulation and protective immunity

In this review, we focus on the role of the L3 (third-stage larva) of lymph atic filarial nematodes in immunomodulation and in the development of prote ctive immunity. Studies in the mouse models of Brugia have been fundamental to our understanding of the mechanisms by which infection with L3 results in Th2 responses and the active suppression of Th1 responses. The relevance of these phenomena to the human infection is discussed. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.