Parasitic worms affect virus coinfection: a mechanistic overview
Georgios Petrellis1, Ophélie Piedfort1, Brunette Katsandegwaza1
1Laboratory of Parasitology, FARAH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Immunology-Vaccinology, FARAH, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
Trends in Parasitology
|March 19, 2023
Summary
Helminths (parasitic worms) alter host immunity, impacting the body's ability to fight viral infections. Understanding these immune changes can improve treatments for viral diseases in areas with high helminth prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Virology
Background:
- Helminths are parasitic worms that establish long-term infections by modulating host immune responses.
- These immune alterations can significantly influence the host's ability to control coinfecting pathogens, including viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight key immune alterations induced by helminths.
- To explore the mechanisms by which these alterations affect viral coinfection control.
- To provide insights for understanding clinical observations and developing new therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Analysis of immune modulation mechanisms by helminths.
- Synthesis of findings related to viral coinfection control.
Main Results:
- Helminths induce complex immune changes that can impair viral clearance.
- Specific immune pathways affected by helminths are identified.
- The interplay between helminth infection and viral pathogenesis is elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Helminth-induced immunomodulation has critical implications for viral coinfection outcomes.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for developing effective antiviral therapies and vaccines.
- This knowledge can inform public health strategies in helminth-endemic regions.
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