Helminth-derived product(s): Source for potential therapeutic

Abstract

Helminth parasites that inhabit mammalian body surfaces have a highly evolved relationship with the immune system. Many of these resident helminths carry out functions to ensure their survival in the hosts. To attain this objective helminth parasites adopt immunoregulatory mechanisms to counter host’s hostile immune response. Indeed, immunomodulatory molecules have been discovered in the worm’s extracts and in their excretion/secretion. In this review, we discuss the state of our understanding of the interplay between helminths and immune pathways. We also highlight the key challenges that must be confronted in identification of the helminth-derived molecules involved in immune modulation.  We consider whether helminth-derived signaling hold promise for the design of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of inflammatory disorders (inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, and autoimmune diseases).