Anti-tumor effect induced by helminth infection

Abstract

Trichinella spiralis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Taenia crassiceps are all parasitic helminths that can infect humans. After invading host, the parasites can induce immune responses such as activation of immune cells and induction of cytokines in the host. The immune responses induced by parasitic helminths have similarities with anti-tumor immune responses. Recent studies have demonstrated that infection of Trichinella spiralis, Ascaris lumbricoides, or Taenia crassiceps can inhibit the development of several kinds of tumors to some extent. In this paper, the progress of anti-tumor effects induced by the above-mentioned helminths on liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, malignant melanoma, myeloma, and other cancers is reviewed, which may provide a valuable reference for treatment of tumors by the immune response to helminthic infection. Key words: Helminths; Infection; Anti-tumor activity