Immune response in cattle trypanosomosis and trypanotolerance: main
findings and gaps
Abstract
Trypanosome parasites of the genus Trypanosoma cause African
animal trypanosomosis, a devastating livestock disease plaguing
sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike many protozoan parasites, these extracellular
blood-borne pathogens directly engage the host’s immune system. While
the mouse model has provided valuable insights, a comprehensive
understanding of the bovine immune response to trypanosomes remains
elusive. Addressing immune response in cattle, the most relevant host
species, and how it takes part in mitigating the negative impact of the
disease could contribute to set up sustainable control strategies. This
review summarizes the current knowledge of the immune response in cattle
during trypanosomosis. Following a brief overview of infection processes
and bovine trypanotolerance, we delved into the key immunological
players: cellular and humoral immunity, cytokine regulation, and immune
suppression. We discuss how these mechanisms contribute to tolerance or
susceptibility to infection, highlighting critical gaps in knowledge
that need further investigation.