Modulation of the Immune Response by Nematode Derived Molecules

Parasitic nematodes produce a variety of molecules that modulate the immune system of their hosts. Over 30 molecules have been identified from more than a dozen nematode species. Some molecules are present in many species; immunomodulation has been demonstrated in some species and is assumed to exist in the remainder. Other immunomodulators appear to exist in only one or a few closely related species. The well studied nematodes produce multiple molecules to modulate the immune response and there is considerable synergy among these molecules. It is not clear why immunomodulation is so complex; possible explanations include more precise control of the host immune response or evasion of host responses against individual molecules.