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IL-18 is known to play a key role limiting Cryptosporidium parvum infection. In this study, we show that IL-18 depletion in SCID mice significantly exacerbates C. parvum infection, whereas, treatment with recombinant IL-18 (r IL-18), significantly decreases the parasite load, as compared to controls. Increases in serum IFN-γ levels as well as the up-regulation of the antimicrobial peptides, cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide and beta defensin 3 ( Defb3) were observed in the intestinal mucosa of mice treated with r IL-18. In addition, C. parvum infection significantly increased m RNA expression levels (> 50 fold) of the alpha defensins, Defa3 and 5, respectively. Interestingly, we also found a decrease in m RNA expression of IL-33 (a recently identified cytokine in the same family as IL-18) in the small intestinal tissue from mice treated with r IL-18. In comparison, the respective genes were induced by IL-18 depletion. Our findings suggest that IL-18 can mediate its protective effects via different routes such as IFN-γ induction or by directly stimulating intestinal epithelial cells to increase antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the 9th International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists which focus on AIDS-related protistan pathogens. The author offers information about the keynote speakers, organizers, and the topic discussed during the workshops. They have also presented the themes and overviews of every workshop.

Examines the efficacy of glycoconjugated dinitroanilines against Cryptosporidium parvum. Activity of dinitroaniline compound against C. parvum; Water solubility and low vapor pressure of dinitroaniline; Evaluation of glycoconjugates.

Investigates the establishment of secondary response and long-term immunity in the interleukin-12 knockout model of Cryptosporidium parvum infection. Role of interferon in the development of immunity; Protection from re-infection with C. parvum; Reduction in some metabolic antigens in Eimeria tenella.

The article presents a summary of research presentations on Cryptosporidium at the International Workshops on Opportunistic infections in Lisbon, Portugal from June 20 to 24, 2006. Over 17 papers were presented which focused on chemotherapy, host/parasite interactions, epidemiology, genotyping, and molecular biology.

Summarizes the proceedings of the papers from papers on Cryptosporidium research presented at the VIII International Workshop on Opportunistic Protists in Ohio. Presentation of paper on therapeutic agents with promising anticryptosporidial activities; Epidemiology and environmental methods discussed; Discussion on scientific fronts during the meeting.