Can parasitic worms cure the modern world's ills?

Harnett, M. W. and Harnett, W. (2017) Can parasitic worms cure the modern world's ills? Trends in Parasitology, 33(9), pp. 694-705. (doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.05.007) (PMID:28606411)

[img]
Preview
Text
141308.pdf - Accepted Version

1MB

Abstract

There has been increasing recognition that the alarming surge in allergy and autoimmunity in the industrialised and developing worlds shadows the rapid eradication of pathogens, such as parasitic helminths. Appreciation of this has fuelled an explosion in research investigating the therapeutic potential of these worms. This review considers the current state-of-play with a particular focus on exciting recent advances in the identification of potential novel targets for immunomodulation that can be exploited therapeutically. Furthermore, we contemplate the prospects for designing worm-derived immunotherapies for an ever-widening range of inflammatory diseases, including, for example, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and ageing as well as neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Harnett, Professor Margaret and Harnett, Professor William
Authors: Harnett, M. W., and Harnett, W.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Trends in Parasitology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1471-4922
ISSN (Online):1471-5007
Published Online:09 June 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd.
First Published:First published in Trends in Parasitology 33(9): 694-705
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record