Helminth infections decrease host susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases

Joel V Weinstock; David E Elliott

doi:10.4049/jimmunol.1400927

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Helminth infections decrease host susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Helminth infections decrease host susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases

Joel V Weinstock and David E Elliott

The Journal of immunology (1950), Vol.193(7), pp.3239-3247

10/01/2014

DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1400927

PMCID: PMC4244645

PMID: 25240019

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Abstract

Helminthic infection has become rare in highly industrialized nations. Concurrent with the decline in helminthic infection has been an increase in the prevalence of inflammatory disease. Removal of helminths from our environment and their powerful effects on host immunity may have contributed to this increase. Several helminth species can abrogate disease in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. Helminths evoke immune regulatory pathways often involving dendritic cells, regulatory T cells, and macrophages that help to control disease. Cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β, have a role. Notable is the helminthic modulatory effect on innate immunity, which impedes development of aberrant adaptive immunity. Investigators are identifying key helminth-derived immune modulatory molecules that may have therapeutic usefulness in the control of inflammatory disease.

Helminths - immunology

Animals

Dendritic Cells - immunology

Humans

Autoimmune Diseases - immunology

Helminthiasis - immunology

Mice

Immunity, Innate

Macrophages - immunology

Cytokines - immunology

T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory - immunology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Helminth infections decrease host susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases
Creators: Joel V Weinstock - Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111; and jweinstock2@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
David E Elliott - Division of Gastroenterology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: The Journal of immunology (1950), Vol.193(7), pp.3239-3247
DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1400927
PMID: 25240019
PMCID: PMC4244645
NLM abbreviation: J Immunol
ISSN: 0022-1767
eISSN: 1550-6606
Grant note: R01 DK038327 / NIDDK NIH HHS DK38327 / NIDDK NIH HHS R01 DK058755 / NIDDK NIH HHS DK058755 / NIDDK NIH HHS R01 DK091987 / NIDDK NIH HHS I01 BX002715 / BLRD VA R56 DK058755 / NIDDK NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 10/01/2014
Academic Unit: Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984094329402771

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