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Protection and pathology during parasite infection: IL-10 strikes the balance
S A Redpath1, N M Fonseca, G Perona-Wright
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Parasite Immunology
|March 27, 2014
Summary
The immune system must balance fighting parasites with preventing self-damage. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a key regulator in this balance during protozoan and helminth infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Host defense requires balancing pathogen control and minimizing immune-mediated pathology.
- Parasite infections highlight the complex interplay between immune activation and suppression.
- Cytokines are crucial for both protective immunity and immunopathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the regulatory cytokine Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in protozoan and helminth infections.
- To explore the sources, targets, and regulatory signals of IL-10 during parasitic infections.
- To examine the impact of IL-10 on parasites, host tissues, and immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on IL-10 in parasitic infections.
- Analysis of studies detailing IL-10's involvement in host-parasite interactions.
- Synthesis of information on IL-10's regulatory mechanisms and effects.
Main Results:
- IL-10 plays a critical role in modulating the host immune response to parasitic infections.
- IL-10 influences parasite viability, host tissue integrity, and the overall immune milieu.
- Specific sources, targets, and initiating signals of IL-10 action in parasitic infections are identified.
Conclusions:
- IL-10 is a central regulator balancing protective immunity and pathology in parasite infections.
- Understanding IL-10's function is key to developing therapeutic strategies for parasitic diseases.
- The review consolidates current knowledge on IL-10's multifaceted role in host-parasite co-evolution.
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