Integrative neuroimmunomodulation of gastrointestinal function during enteric parasitism

Area of Science:

• Neurogastroenterology
• Immunology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Enteric helminths significantly impact gastrointestinal (GI) tract structure, function, and neural control.
• Host-parasite interactions involve complex interplay between the nervous and immune systems, leading to altered gut motor programs.
• Gut inflammation and the enteric neuroimmune axis are central to host responses at the mucosal surface.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pivotal role of neural control mechanisms in the host's GI tract functional responses to enteric parasitism.
• To highlight the impact of host and parasite signaling molecules on host-parasite interactions.
• To elucidate how nerves orchestrate functional reorganization of the parasitized gut and impact nerve cell function.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on enteric helminth infections and their effects on the GI tract.
• Analysis of studies investigating altered gut propulsive and secretomotor reflex activities.
• Examination of research on the direct impact of parasitism on neural pathways in the enteric and central nervous systems.

Main Results:

• Signaling molecules from both host and parasite can reorient host-parasite interactions.
• Enteric parasitic infections alter gut motility and secretomotor reflexes, with nerves facilitating gut reorganization.
• Parasitism directly impacts nerve cell function and neurotransmission in both enteric and central nervous systems.

Conclusions:

• Neural control mechanisms are critical in integrative neuroimmunophysiological responses to enteric helminths.
• Understanding these complex mechanisms is vital for addressing functional changes in parasitized guts.
• Further research is needed in this understudied area of host-parasite interactions.