Abstract
Parasitic helminths, comprising the flatworms (tapeworms and flukes) and nematodes (roundworms), have plagued humans persistently over a considerable period of time. It is now known that the degree of exposure to these and other pathogens inversely correlates with the incidence of both T helper 1 (Th1)-mediated autoimmunity and Th2-mediated allergy. Accordingly, there has been recent increased interest in utilizing active helminth worm infections and helminth-derived products for the treatment of human autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and to alleviate disease severity. Indeed, there is an accumulating list of novel helminth derived molecules, including proteins, peptides, and microRNAs, that have been shown to exhibit therapeutic potential in a variety of disease models. Here we consider the blood-dwelling schistosome flukes, which have evolved subtle immune regulatory mechanisms that promote parasite survival but at the same time minimize host tissue immunopathology. We review and discuss the recent advances in using schistosome infection and schistosome-derived products as therapeutics to treat or mitigate human immune-related disorders, including allergic asthma, arthritis, colitis, diabetes, sepsis, cystitis, and cancer.
Highlights
Schistosoma spp. are digenetic trematodes that cause schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), a disease afflicting over 230 million individuals in developing countries in Africa, South America, and Asia [1]
This study showed that S. japonicum infection 2 weeks prior to CII immunization significantly reduced the severity of CIA
A widely used murine model is the OVA/alum-induced AAI model for the study of allergic asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by reversible airflow obstruction, which represents over 60% of all asthma case [85]
Summary
Schistosoma spp. are digenetic trematodes that cause schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), a disease afflicting over 230 million individuals in developing countries in Africa, South America, and Asia [1]. Schistosomiasis was reported as being responsible for an estimated global burden of 1.4 million disability adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2017 [2]. Schistosoma haematobium, S. mansoni, and S. japonicum are the most clinically relevant. Liver fibrosis is the main contributor responsible for the morbidity and mortality among individuals with chronic hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. There is no practical vaccine available for schistosomiasis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
