Regulation of the host immune system by helminth parasites

Maizels, R. M. and McSorley, H. (2016) Regulation of the host immune system by helminth parasites. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 138(3), pp. 666-675. (doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.07.007) (PMID:27476889) (PMCID:PMC5010150)

Abstract

Helminth parasite infections are associated with a battery of immunomodulatory mechanisms, which impact all facets of the host immune response to ensure their persistence within the host. This broad-spectrum modulation of host immunity has intended and unintended consequences, both advantageous and disadvantageous. Thus the host may benefit from suppression of collateral damage during parasite infection, and from reduced allergic, autoimmune and inflammatory reactions. However, helminth infection can also be detrimental in reducing vaccine responses, increasing susceptibility to co-infection, and potentially reducing tumor immunosurveillance. In this review we will summarize the panoply of immunomodulatory mechanisms used by helminths, their potential utility in human disease, and prospective areas of future research.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The authors have received grants from the Wellcome Trust (Ref 106122), the Kenneth Rainin Foundation (2015-964), and Asthma UK (SPD-2012-172).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Maizels, Professor Rick
• Authors: Maizels, R. M., and McSorley, H.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0091-6749
• Published Online: 29 July 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 138(3): 666-675
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License