RELMβ in intestinal helminth infection: Mechanisms and research advances

Intestinal helminth infections remain a major global public health challenge, affecting both human and animal health. The immune mechanisms by which hosts resist and expel helminths are multifaceted, with intestinal epithelial cells and their secretory products playing pivotal roles. Resistin-like molecule β (RELMβ), also known as Found in Inflammatory Zone 2 (FIZZ2), is a secreted protein predominantly produced by intestinal goblet cells. Recent studies have revealed that RELMβ exerts important functions in intestinal inflammation and immune regulation, particularly in type 2 immunity-driven anti-parasitic responses. This review summarizes the biological characteristics of RELMβ, its expression dynamics in various models of intestinal helminth infection, and highlights its multifaceted mechanisms in host defense, including potential direct anti-helminth activity, reinforcement of the intestinal physical barrier, modulation of gut microbial homeostasis, and immunoregulatory effects. Elucidating the mechanisms by which RELMβ participates in helminth infection not only provides crucial insight into host-parasite-epithelium interactions, particularly within the context of type 2 immunity, but also lays a theoretical foundation for the development of novel interventions targeting the host-parasite-microbiota axis.