Molecular basis of worm-induced immunomodulation

Authors: HARNETT, W.¹; HARNETT, M. M.²

Source: Parasite Immunology, Volume 28, Number 10, October 2006 , pp. 535-543(9)

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Abstract:

SUMMARY

Long-term infection with parasitic worms is generally associated with an immunological phenotype that is Th2-like and anti-inflammatory. This phenotype is probably an unintentional consequence of molecular characteristics of worms (as free-living worms also express polarising molecules) in combination with deliberate attempts by the parasites, via molecular secretions, to modulate the phenotype. This review is concerned with the identity of immunomodulatory worm products, the receptors that they interact with and the signal transduction pathways that they activate. It hopes to indicate how knowledge of these factors can explain the changes in gene expression that result in the characteristic worm-induced immunological phenotype.

Keywords: immunomodulation; nematode; receptor; schistosome; signal transduction; Th2

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3024.2006.00893.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Immunology, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0NR, UK and 2: Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK

Publication date: 2006-10-01