Adult Hymenolepis nana and its excretory-secretory products elicit mouse immune responses via Tuft/IL-13 signaling pathway

Background Hosts typically elicit diverse immune responses to the infection of various parasitic worms, with intestinal tuft cells playing a pivotal role in detecting parasite invasion. Hymenolepis nana ( H. nana ), a zoonotic parasitic worm, resides in the host's intestine. The contribution and underlying mechanisms of tuft cell-mediated immune reactions against H. nana remain unexplored. Methods This study endeavors to examine the immune responses in the mouse intestine elicited by the adult H. nana and its excretory-secretory products (ESP). Detection of various intestinal cell counts and cytokine changes using IHC, IF, RT-qPCR, etc. Results The presence of adult H. nana and its ESP enhances the population of tuft cells and goblet cells while fostering the production of type 2 cytokines, particularly IL-13. Furthermore, the surge in Paneth cells triggered by H. nana aids in maintaining intestinal stem cells homeostasis. Notably, RCM-1, the specific IL-13 inhibitor, dampens intestinal stem cells differentiation and type 2 cytokine secretion, potentially impeding the host's capacity to eliminate H. nana . Conclusions In conclusion, the adult H. nana and its ESP stimulate the immune responses from the mouse intestinal mucosa via the Tuft/IL-13 signaling pathway, facilitating the expulsion of H. nana from the host.