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Updated: Aug 31, 2025

Cultivation of Heligmosomoides Polygyrus: An Immunomodulatory Nematode Parasite and its Secreted Products
Published on: April 6, 2015
The role of IgA in gastrointestinal helminthiasis: A systematic review
Anne C S Ramos1, Luciana M Oliveira2, Yvanna L D C O Santos3
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brasil.
Abstract:
Immunoglobulin-A (IgA) is an important mediator of immunity and has been associated with protection against several pathogens, although its role in gastrointestinal infections remains unclear. Then, the aim of this systematic review was to synthesize qualitative evidence in respect of IgA as mediator of protective immunity against gastrointestinal helminths. Following recommended guidelines, we searched for articles published between January 1990 and October 2019 that evaluated IgA levels and their association with gastrointestinal helminth infections. Twenty-five articles were included after screening 1,546 titles and abstracts, as well as reading in full 52 selected articles. Consistent associations between higher IgA levels and lower parasitological parameters were only found in mice, rats, and sheep. However, the role of IgA in other host species remains uncertain, making it difficult to create a consensus. Therefore, it is too soon to claim that IgA is an effective protective factor against gastrointestinal helminths, and further studies are still needed.
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