Scientists are only just beginning to understand how parasitic helminth worms inhabiting the mammalian intestine and other tissues manipulate their hosts. In at least some cases, helminths may help dampen inflammation, and researchers are pursuing new therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that tap into worm-mediated signaling. A selection of the species—some of which infect animals other than humans—and proposed mechanisms, based mainly on in vitro and animal studies, are illustrated below.
Helminths release hundreds of different molecules, some of which are packaged into extracellular vesicles that may be taken up by host cells.
Helminth infection may trigger B cells to produce IgG4, an antibody suggested to be involved in anti-inflammatory responses.
Several worm species are associated with altered microbiome compositions.
Some of the molecules secreted by N. americanus have shown promise in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease.
A protein called ES-62, released by Acanthocheilonema viteae, may inhibit the ...
