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Published on: May 24, 2011
Trichinella spiralis immunomodulation: an interactive multifactorial process
1Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt. ashourdalia@yahoo.com
Expert Review of Clinical Immunology
|August 1, 2013
Summary
Helminth infections, like Trichinella spiralis, may protect against allergic and autoimmune diseases by modulating the immune system. This parasite enhances immune responses, potentially preventing hyperimmune disorders.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Allergy and Autoimmunity Research
Background:
- Epidemiological data suggest helminth infections offer protection against allergic and autoimmune diseases.
- Helminths are known to significantly influence the immune system, promoting pathways that counteract hyperimmune disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which Trichinella spiralis modulates the immune system to protect against hyperimmune-associated disorders.
- To explore how T. spiralis influences immune cell phenotypes and regulatory pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on helminth infections and immune system modulation.
- Analysis of T. spiralis's effects on immune cell responses, including T helper cell differentiation and macrophage activation.
- Examination of T. spiralis's role in inducing regulatory immune cells like Treg and regulatory B cells.
Main Results:
- T. spiralis can induce a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response, often with a dominant Th2 bias.
- The parasite interferes with dendritic cell maturation, a key process in initiating immune responses.
- T. spiralis promotes the induction of alternatively activated macrophages and regulatory immune cells (Treg, regulatory B cells).
Conclusions:
- Trichinella spiralis exposure can 'educate' the immune system, making it more resilient to hyperimmune disorders.
- The immunomodulatory effects of T. spiralis involve a complex interplay of T helper cell polarization, dendritic cell regulation, and the induction of regulatory immune cells.
