Induction of IL-12 Production in Human Peripheral Monocytes byTrypanosoma cruziIs Mediated by Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Mucin-Like Glycoproteins and Potentiated by IFN-γand CD40-CD40L Interactions

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi ( T. cruzi ), is characterized by immunopathology driven by IFN- γ secreting Th1-like T cells. T. cruzi has a thick coat of mucin-like glycoproteins covering its surface, which plays an important role in parasite invasion and host immunomodulation. It has been extensively described that T. cruzi or its products—like GPI anchors isolated from GPI-anchored mucins from the...