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Updated: May 15, 2026
12:40
Cultivation of Heligmosomoides Polygyrus: An Immunomodulatory Nematode Parasite and its Secreted Products
Published on: April 6, 2015
Immunomodulation by helminth parasites: defining mechanisms and mediators
Henry J McSorley1, James P Hewitson, Rick M Maizels
1Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, UK. hank.mcsorley@gmail.com
International Journal for Parasitology
|January 8, 2013
Summary
Helminth parasitic infections protect against immune disorders like allergies and autoimmunity. Researchers are studying molecules from the Heligmosomoides polygyrus nematode for potential therapeutic applications in immunopathology.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Helminth infections are linked to reduced immune dysregulatory diseases.
- Understanding helminth-induced immunomodulation is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review immunological pathways used by helminths to suppress immune responses.
- To explore the potential of helminth-derived molecules for treating immune-mediated conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological, interventional, and animal studies.
- Focus on the Heligmosomoides polygyrus mouse model for cellular and molecular analysis.
- Analysis of excretory-secretory products and their cellular targets.
Main Results:
- Helminths modulate immune responses against self-antigens and foreign substances like allergens.
- Identification of specific parasite molecules and gene families involved in immunomodulation.
- The Heligmosomoides polygyrus model provides insights into host-parasite interactions.
Conclusions:
- Helminth infections offer protection against immune dysregulatory diseases.
- Parasite molecules show promise for future human therapies against immunopathological conditions.
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