Parasitic Helminths as Potential Therapeutic Agents Against Autoimmune Disorders

摘要: In developed countries, the prevalence of both allergic disease (asthma) and autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s (CD), multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes (T1D) is increasing. This trend seems to be inversely correlated prominent decreases in infectious diseases measles, tuberculosis, hepatitis A (Bach, 2002). Based on epidemiological observations, “hygiene hypothesis”, that exposure agents; i.e. bacteria, viruses, parasites, especially childhood, lowers risk later onset immunological disorders, has attracted much attention. According hypothesis, a reduced agents due improved hygienic conditions urbanized areas, and/or westernized lifestyle responsible for higher incidence autoimmunity allergies modern society. number experimental studies have demonstrated plausibility this hypothesis. However, there also considerable evidence does not support or contradicts chapter, conflicting reports are introduced discussed. Most trying elucidate mechanisms involved been conducted using rodent models. various models diseases, effects bacterial, viral parasitic infections were tested. Consequently, many cases, preventive ameliorating confirmed. main part influence helminths will introduced. Although underlying amelioration prevention by studied extensively, they yet fully understood. As Th1-polarizing (bacteria viruses) Th2-polarizing (parasitic helminths) anti-autoimmune/anti-allergic activities (Zaccone & Cooke, 2011), “Th1/Th2 paradigm” enough explain involved. Additionally, some shown dependent pathogenic T helper subset (Th17), Th1 subset. The suppressive attributed regulatory/suppressive cell populations, Treg cells, Breg NKT cells alternatively activated macrophages (AA MΦs). addition, involvement cytokines (e.g. IL-4, IL10 TGF-β) demonstrated. Focusing helminth infections, possible regulatory Some being treated successfully with recently biological products (mainly humanized monoclonal antibodies against pro-inflammatory