Immune mechanisms in C57B1 mice genetically resistant to Trypanosoma congolense infection. I. Effects of immune modulation

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Abstract
The effect of immune modulation on the pattern and course of infection with T. congolense was investigated in a strain of mice (C57Bl), known to possess a significant degree of trypanotolerance, and a susceptible strain (CFLP), which rapidly succumbs to infection. Immunosuppression of C57Bl mice by splenectomy, cyclophosphamide treatment or .gamma.-irradiation reduced their survival to near that of susceptible strains of mice. Attempts to enhance the immune response of susceptible CFLP mice using either a variety of immunostimulants, simultaneous vaccination with irradiated parasites at the time of infection, passive immuniztion or reducing the number of parasites used for infection, failed to confer a level of protection comparable to that of C57Bl mice. The basis of trypanotolerance, although immunological in nature, is associated with undetermined factors.