T cell recognition of antigens displayed on the surface of antigen
presenting cell results in rapid activation of protein tyrosine kinases and
kinase C. This process leads to second messengers, such as inositol
phosphates and diacylgycerol, and phosphorylation of multiple proteins. The
role of different protein kinases in the activation of peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMC) from Schistosoma mansoni infected individuals was
evaluated using genistein and H-7, specific inhibitors of protein tyrosine
kinase and kinase C, respectively. Our results showed that proliferation in
response to soluble egg antigen or adult worm antigen preparation of S.
mansoni was reduced when PBMC were cultured in presence of protein kinase
inhibitors. Using these inhibitors on in vitro granuloma reaction, we also
observed a marked reduction of granuloma index. Taken together, our results
suggest that S. mansoni antigen activation of PBMC involves protein kinases
activity.
