Regulation of pathogenesis and immunity in helminth infections

J Exp Med. 2009 Sep 28;206(10):2059-66. doi: 10.1084/jem.20091903. Epub 2009 Sep 21.

Abstract

Helminths are multicellular eukaryotic parasites that infect over one quarter of the world's population. Through coevolution with the human immune system, these organisms have learned to exploit immunoregulatory pathways, resulting in asymptomatic tolerance of infections in many individuals. When infections and the resulting immune responses become dysregulated, however, acute and chronic pathologies often develop. A recent international meeting focused on how these parasites modulate host immunity and how control of parasitic and immunopathological disease might be achieved.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Helminthiasis / immunology*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / physiology
  • Interleukin-17 / immunology
  • Interleukin-4 / immunology
  • Macrophage Activation
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology

Substances

  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Interleukin-17
  • RETNLB protein, human
  • Interleukin-4