Fig. 7: Schematic model for the process of macrophage-mediated trogocytosis in destroying human schistosomes.

Stimulation of Schistosoma antigens leads to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in M. fortis macrophages, further inducing the activation of NFAT. The activation of NFAT can induce the transcriptional expression of multiple genes, causing macrophage adhesion to the surface of schistosomula through C3–CR3 interaction. Subsequently, the macrophages destroy the parasites through trogocytosis, ultimately leading to impaired growth, atrophy, and even death of schistosomula.