Parasite-based interventions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Parasitology
• Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• The hygiene hypothesis suggests an inverse relationship between allergies/infections and autoimmune diseases.
• Parasitic infections may confer immunity against autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the efficacy of parasitic interventions in treating SLE mouse models.
• To analyze the immunomodulatory effects and clinical outcomes of parasitic treatments for SLE.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies on parasites or parasitic products in SLE animal models.
• Searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases until January 2021.
• Extracted data on immunologic changes, auto-antibodies, cytokines, and organ histology.

Main Results:

• 16 of 17 studies reported significant immunomodulatory changes in SLE mouse models.
• 14 studies indicated reduced proteinuria and improved kidney, liver, or spleen histology.
• Parasitic interventions demonstrated favorable effects on immune cells, auto-antibodies, and cytokines.

Conclusions:

• Parasites such as Hymenolepis microstoma, Acanthocheilonema viteae (TPC and ES-62), Plasmodium chabaudi, Schistosoma mansoni, and Toxoplasma gondii exhibit beneficial immunomodulatory effects.
• These findings support the potential of parasitic therapies for managing SLE in lupus-prone mice.
• Parasitic interventions offer a promising avenue for novel SLE treatments.