Schistosoma mansoni
antigens in the early life alter homologous and heterologous immunity during postnatal
infections. We evaluate the immunity to parasite antigens and ovalbumin (OA) in adult mice born/suckled by schistosomotic
mothers. Newborns were divided into: born (BIM), suckled (SIM) or born/suckled (BSIM) in schistosomotic
mothers, and animals from noninfected mothers (control). When adults, the mice were infected and compared the
hepatic granuloma size and cellularity. Some animals were OA + adjuvant immunised. We evaluated hypersensitivity
reactions (HR), antibodies levels (IgG1/IgG2a) anti-soluble egg antigen and anti-soluble worm antigen preparation,
and anti-OA, cytokine production, and CD4
+FoxP3
+T-cells by splenocytes. Compared to control group, BIM
mice showed a greater quantity of granulomas and collagen deposition, whereas SIM and BSIM presented smaller
granulomas. BSIM group exhibited the lowest levels of anti-parasite antibodies. For anti-OA immunity, immediate
HR was suppressed in all groups, with greater intensity in SIM mice accompanied of the remarkable level of basal
CD4
+FoxP3
+T-cells. BIM and SIM groups produced less interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-g. In BSIM, there
was higher production of IL-10 and IFN-γ, but lower levels of IL-4 and CD4
+FoxP3
+T-cells. Thus, pregnancy in
schistosomotic mothers intensified hepatic fibrosis, whereas breastfeeding diminished granulomas in descendants.
Separately, pregnancy and breastfeeding could suppress heterologous immunity; however, when combined, the responses
could be partially restored in infected descendants.