Plasticity in Interferon Responses Modulates T-Cell Immunity in Parasitic Infections: Periphery to Thymus

Abstract

Parasitic infections are the major threat prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Different parasitic infections take a huge toll on mortality and morbidity at global level. Different parasites invade the host system, multiply inside host cells of their choice and sabotage defense mechanisms to overpower the host. T-cell immunity is majorly affected in different parasitic diseases such that the peripheral T-cell immune response is altered along with lesser explored thymic changes. Direct and/or indirect effect of parasitic infection leads to alterations in T-cell development, differentiation and activation resulting in deregulated T-cell immune mechanisms. Cytokines of interferon family play a significant role in determining the disease outcome and severity. Therefore, in this chapter, we here provide a detailed overview of the functional role played by IFNs during parasitic diseases in terms of their influence on peripheral T-cell activation and tolerance along with lesser explored impact on developing T cells in the thymus with altered microenvironmental niches.