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Parasites and the hygiene hypothesis: regulating the immune system?
Maria Yazdanbakhsh1, Paolo M Matricardi
1Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. M.Yazdanbakhsh@lumc.nl
Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology
|February 3, 2004
Summary
Reduced exposure to microbes may increase allergies. Parasitic infections, like helminths, show an inverse association with allergies, suggesting protective immune regulation mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- The hygiene hypothesis suggests reduced microbial exposure increases inflammatory diseases.
- Industrialized nations see rising rates of allergic and autoimmune diseases.
- Parasites may offer protection against allergies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review associations between parasites and allergies.
- To explore mechanisms of parasite-induced immune regulation.
- To discuss new concepts at epidemiological, cellular, and molecular levels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms.
- Discussion of recent findings and theories.
Main Results:
- Inverse association observed between parasitic infections (Toxoplasma gondii, Schistosoma, helminths) and allergies.
- Parasite-derived molecules can down-regulate immune responses.
- Evidence supports parasites' role in controlling inflammatory diseases.
Conclusions:
- Parasites may play a protective role against allergies.
- Understanding parasite-host interactions offers insights into immune regulation.
- Further research into parasite-derived molecules is warranted for therapeutic strategies.