Cryptosporidium parvum infection in T-cell receptor (TCR)-α-and TCR-δ-deficient mice

Abstract

Mice deficient in either αβ or γδ T cells were more susceptible to infection with the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum than were control mice. Both neonatal and adult αβ-T-cell-deficient mice developed chronic infection. γδ-T-cell-deficient neonatal mice were more susceptible than control mice but were able to clear the infection. Adult γδ-T-cell-deficient mice were not susceptible to infection. These data indicate that αβ T cells are important for resistance to C. parvum while γδ T cells have a less critical role.