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Updated: Jul 1, 2026
10:05
Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut
Published on: May 24, 2011
Helminth infections and intestinal inflammation
Li Jian Wang1, Yue Cao, Hai Ning Shi
1Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Building 114 16th Street, Room 3504, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 9, 2008
Summary
Helminth parasites may treat immune-mediated diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) by modulating immune responses. However, their effects can vary, necessitating further research for safer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Epidemiological studies suggest helminth exposure correlates with lower incidence of immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
- Helminths are known inducers of Th2 immune responses, which can suppress damaging Th1 responses implicated in autoimmune diseases like colitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the therapeutic potential of helminths for immune-mediated diseases, particularly IBD.
- To investigate the complex immunomodulatory mechanisms of helminths in the gut.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological evidence and clinical studies involving helminth therapy for IBD.
- Analysis of animal models examining helminth effects on various forms of colitis.
Main Results:
- Helminth therapy, specifically with Trichuris suis, has shown clinical improvement in some IBD patients.
- Recent studies indicate helminths can exacerbate bacterial and non-infectious colitis in animal models.
Conclusions:
- Helminth-based therapies show promise for immune-mediated diseases but exhibit complex and sometimes contradictory effects.
- Further understanding of helminth-host immune interactions is crucial for developing safer and more effective helminth-based treatments for IBD.
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