Abstract
The use of parasites or their products for treating chronic inflammation associated diseases (CIADs) has generated significant attention recently. Findings from basic and clinical research have provided valuable information on strengthening the notion that parasites’ molecules can be developed as biotherapeutic agents. Completion of the genome, secreotome, and proteome of the parasites has provided an excellent platform for screening and identifying several host immunomodulatory molecules from the parasites and evaluate their therapeutic potential for CIADs. One of the widely studied host immunomodulatory molecules of the parasites is the cysteine protease inhibitor (cystatin), which is primarily secreted by the parasites to evade host immune responses. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the findings to date on the use of helminth parasite-derived cystatin as a therapeutic agent against CIADs. Although several studies suggest a role for alternatively activated macrophages, other regulatory cells, and immunosuppressive molecules, in this immunoregulatory activity of the parasite-derived cystatin, there is still no clear demonstration as to how cystatin induces its anti-inflammatory effect in suppressing CIADs.
Highlights
IntroductionIncidences of chronic inflammation associated diseases (CIADs) are surging worldwide [1]
Incidences of chronic inflammation associated diseases (CIADs) are surging worldwide [1].CIADs include, but not limited to, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergies
Using live parasites had several aesthetic concerns [19]; (1) parasites must elicit minimum pathology in the human, especially live parasites in immuno-vulnerable patients or immunocompromised individuals could pose the risk of infection, (2) skewed immune response could expose the host to other opportunistic infections, (3) aberrant migration of the helminth parasites may cause problems, (4) the potential for worms to establish and reproduce if the infection is chronic, and (5) most importantly, ethical considerations associated with the use of live helminths
Summary
Incidences of chronic inflammation associated diseases (CIADs) are surging worldwide [1]. Using live parasites (including their eggs) had several aesthetic concerns [19]; (1) parasites must elicit minimum pathology in the human, especially live parasites in immuno-vulnerable patients (infants/elderly) or immunocompromised individuals could pose the risk of infection, (2) skewed immune response could expose the host to other opportunistic infections, (3) aberrant migration of the helminth parasites may cause problems, (4) the potential for worms to establish and reproduce if the infection is chronic, and (5) most importantly, ethical considerations associated with the use of live helminths These drawbacks prevented further use of live helminth therapy. Cystatin is a cysteine protease inhibitor that is most extensively studied for its immunomodulatory function in the host
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