Cryptosporidium parvum infection in T-cell receptor (TCR)-alpha- and TCR-delta-deficient mice

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