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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
12:40
Cultivation of Heligmosomoides Polygyrus: An Immunomodulatory Nematode Parasite and its Secreted Products
Published on: April 6, 2015
Parasitic nematode modulation of allergic disease
William Harnett1, Margaret M Harnett
1Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 27 Taylor Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, United Kingdom. w.harnett@strath.ac.uk
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
|August 7, 2008
Summary
Parasitic nematode infections may protect against allergic diseases like asthma. Researchers are identifying nematode molecules for potential allergy therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Rising incidence of allergic diseases, such as asthma, in Western countries over recent decades.
- Lower prevalence of allergies in regions with high parasitic nematode infection rates suggests a protective effect.
- Hypothesis that nematodes confer protection against allergic conditions in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting the protective role of nematodes against allergic diseases.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of nematode-derived molecules for allergy treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of human epidemiological studies on allergy and nematode prevalence.
- Analysis of animal model studies investigating nematode-induced protection against allergic diseases.
- Characterization of nematode-derived molecules with antiallergic properties.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence supports a protective role for nematodes in preventing allergic diseases.
- Identification of specific nematode molecules exhibiting antiallergic properties.
- Demonstration of therapeutic efficacy of these molecules in allergy models.
Conclusions:
- Nematodes appear to offer protection against allergic diseases.
- Nematode-derived molecules are promising candidates for novel allergy therapeutics.
- Further research is ongoing to isolate and utilize these molecules for therapeutic purposes.
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