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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Cultivation of Heligmosomoides Polygyrus: An Immunomodulatory Nematode Parasite and its Secreted Products
Published on: April 6, 2015
Modulation of LPS-Induced Neurodegeneration by Intestinal Helminth Infection in Ageing Mice
Natalia Jermakow1, Weronika Skarżyńska1, Katarzyna Lewandowska2
1Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warszawa, Poland.
Abstract:
Parasitic helminths induce a transient, short-term inflammation at the beginning of infection, but in persistent infection may suppress the systemic immune response by enhancing the activity of regulatory M2 macrophages. The aim of the study was to determine how nematode infection affects age-related neuroinflammation, especially macrophages in the nervous tissue. Here, intraperitoneal LPS-induced systemic inflammation resulting in brain neurodegeneration was enhanced by prolonged Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection in C57BL/6 mice. The changes in the brain coincided with the increase in M1 macrophages, reduced survivin level, enhanced APP and GFAP expression, chitin-like chains deposition in the brain and deterioration behaviour manifestations. These changes were also observed in transgenic C57BL/6 mice predisposed to develop neurodegeneration typical for Alzheimer's disease in response to pathogenic stimuli. Interestingly, in mice infected with the nematode only, the greater M2 macrophage population resulted in better results in the forced swim test. Given the growing burden of neurodegenerative diseases, understanding such interactive associations can have significant implications for ageing health strategies and disease monitoring.
Insights
Nematode infection worsens neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration by increasing M1 macrophages. However, it boosts M2 macrophages, potentially benefiting cognitive function in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Parasitology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Parasitic helminths can modulate host immune responses, potentially impacting chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Age-related neuroinflammation is a growing concern linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of nematode infection on age-related neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
- To examine the role of macrophage populations (M1 and M2) in the brain during helminth infection and neuroinflammation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized C57BL/6 mice, including transgenic models predisposed to neurodegeneration.
- Induced systemic inflammation using intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- Infected mice with the nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus.
Main Results:
- Prolonged nematode infection exacerbated LPS-induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
- Observed increased M1 macrophages, reduced survivin, elevated APP and GFAP expression, and chitin deposition in the brain.
- Transgenic mice showed similar changes, indicating relevance to Alzheimer's disease pathology.
- Higher M2 macrophage populations in infected-only mice correlated with improved performance in the forced swim test.
Conclusions:
- Nematode infection can worsen neurodegenerative processes, particularly in the context of systemic inflammation.
- Macrophage polarization (M1 vs. M2) plays a critical role in mediating these effects.
- Findings suggest potential implications for aging health strategies and disease monitoring, highlighting the complex interplay between parasitic infections and neurodegeneration.
