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Updated: Jun 28, 2025
Immunometabolic Circuits in Infection for Advancing Host Directed Therapies
Published on: September 13, 2024
[Anticancer effect of parasites and its underlying mechanisms: a review]
1School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.
Abstract:
Both parasitic diseases and cancers are disorders that seriously threaten human health. A strong correlation has been recently found between parasitic infections and cancers, and multiple species of parasites and their derived products have shown effective to suppress cancer development, progression and metastasis. Therefore, deciphering the interaction among parasites, cancers and hosts not only provides new insights into the development of cancer therapy, but also provides the basis for screening of parasites-derived active anticancer molecules. This review summarizes the latest advances in the anticancer activity of parasites and underlying mechanisms.
Insights
Parasitic infections show promise in cancer therapy by suppressing tumor growth and metastasis. Research into these interactions aids in developing novel anticancer treatments and identifying parasite-derived anticancer molecules.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Parasitic diseases and cancers pose significant global health threats.
- Emerging evidence reveals a strong correlation between parasitic infections and cancer.
- Parasites and their products demonstrate potential in inhibiting cancer development, progression, and metastasis.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current research on the anticancer activities of parasites.
- It explores the underlying molecular mechanisms of parasite-mediated cancer suppression.
- The focus is on deciphering the complex interactions among parasites, cancer cells, and the host immune system.
Key Points:
- Multiple parasite species and their derivatives exhibit significant anticancer properties.
- Understanding parasite-host-cancer interactions offers new therapeutic strategies.
- This field provides a basis for discovering novel anticancer drugs from parasitic sources.
Conclusions:
- Parasites represent a promising, yet underexplored, resource for cancer therapy.
- Further research into parasitic anticancer mechanisms can lead to innovative treatments.
- Targeting parasite-host interactions could revolutionize cancer treatment paradigms.
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