Helminth Modulation of Lung Inflammation. Issue 5 (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schwartz, Christian; Hams, Emily; Fallon, Padraic G.
• Is Part Of: Trends in parasitology. Volume 34:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 388
• Page End: 403
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Parasitology; Biology; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Online resources; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.12.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4922

Abstract

Abstract : Parasitic helminths must establish chronic infections to complete their life cycle and therefore are potent modulators of multiple facets of host physiology. Parasitic helminths have coevolved with humans to become arguably master selectors of our immune system, whereby they have impacted on the selection of genes with beneficial mutations for both host and parasite. While helminth infections of humans are a significant health burden, studies have shown that helminths or helminth products can alter susceptibility to unrelated infectious or inflammatory diseases. This has generated interest in the use of helminth infections or molecules as therapeutics. In this review, we focus on the impact of helminth infections on pulmonary immunity, especially with regard to homeostatic lung function, pulmonary viral and bacterial (co)infections, and asthma. Highlights: Helminths influence the lung immune response by direct damage, active immunomodulation, and initiation of regulatory mechanisms. Differences exist when worms modulate pulmonary responses systemically or alter responses as a consequence of damage responses. Migration of larvae through the lung triggers a wound-healing response. Helminths introduce immunoregulation into Th2 responses, a quality which is not present in allergic responses. Helminths and their immunomodulatory molecules ameliorate lung inflammation, including asthma. Helminth coinfections impair responses against viral and (myco-)bacterial pulmonary infection.