Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae excretory-secretory antigens (ES L1) are most likely responsible for the induction of immune response during infection by this parasitic. The antigens bear carbohydrate structures that may contribute to immune system activation resulting in a Th2/anti-inflammatory immune response. We show that T. spiralis glycans affect the expression and the production of IL-4 and IL-10 in vivo. Alteration of carbohydrate structures on ES L1 altered dendritic cell (DC) maturation. Periodate treatment of ES L1 led to the reduction in both ERK and p38 phosphorylation which may be the cause of reduced IL-10 and IL-12p70 production. In vitro priming of naïve T cells with DCs stimulated with native and periodate-treated ES L1 emphasized the importance of intact glycans for IL-10 production. We conclude that T. spiralis glycans affect the anti-inflammatory environment and can interfere with the development of inflammatory diseases.
