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Review
. 2010:2010:743758.
doi: 10.1155/2010/743758. Epub 2010 Feb 10.

Parasitic helminths: new weapons against immunological disorders

Yoshio Osada  1 , Tamotsu Kanazawa
Affiliations
Review

Parasitic helminths: new weapons against immunological disorders

Yoshio Osada et al. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2010.

Abstract

The prevalence of allergic and autoimmune diseases is increasing in developed countries, possibly due to reduced exposure to microorganisms in childhood (hygiene hypothesis). Epidemiological and experimental evidence in support of this hypothesis is accumulating. In this context, parasitic helminths are now important candidates for antiallergic/anti-inflammatory agents. Here we summarize antiallergic/anti-inflammatory effects of helminths together along with our own study of the effects of Schistosoma mansoni on Th17-dependent experimental arthritis. We also discuss possible mechanisms of helminth-induced suppression according to the recent advances of immunology.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Possible involvement of immune cells and mediators in the helminth-induced immunomodulation on T helper subsets. Substances contained in the bodies of helminths or their excretory secretory (ES) products are recognized by innate immune cells via PAMPs receptors like TLRs. Thereafter, various changes occur in the immune cells, for example, down-modulation of IL-12/23p40 expression (DC), alternative activation (macrophages), proliferation and/or IL-10 production (Treg, Tr1, and B cells), and IL-4 production (basophils). We can observe suppression of immune disorders with down-regulation of pathogenic T helper subsets (Th1, Th17, and allergic Th2) as consequence of mixed effects of such immunological changes.
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