Infection of a susceptible host with the blood fluke Schistosoma
mansoni results in the formation of periovular granulomas and subsequent
fibrosis in the target organs. Granulomogenesis and fibrogenesis are
mediated by immunological events which require cell-cell and cell-matrix
interactions. In this review, the role of adhesion and co-stimulatory
molecules in the genesis of the schistosomal pathology (granulomogenesis
and fibrogenesis) is outlined. These molecules provide essential
immunological interactions not only for the initiation of granuloma
formation but also for the maintenance and modulation of the schistosomal
granuloma during chronic infection. Furthermore, the role of secreted
soluble adhesion molecules in the different clinical forms and in the
modulation of the schistosomal granuloma is discussed. Recent new insights
into the role of adhesion molecules for the induction of pathology by other
developmental stages of the parasite (other than eggs) will be
presented.
