Classic Models for New Perspectives: Delving into Helminth–Microbiota–Immune System Interactions. Issue 8 (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cortés, Alba; Toledo, Rafael; Cantacessi, Cinzia
• Is Part Of: Trends in parasitology. Volume 34:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: 640
• Page End: 654
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: macrobiota -- microbiota -- gut -- interleukin (IL)-25 -- Echinostoma caproni -- experimental model; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Parasitology; Biology; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Online resources; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.05.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4922

Abstract

Abstract : Whilst a wealth of data indicate that infections by gastrointestinal helminths are accompanied by significant alterations in the composition of the vertebrate gut flora, little is known of the immune-molecular mechanisms that regulate host–parasite–microbiota interactions. 'Traditional' experimental models of gastrointestinal helminthiases, in which the role(s) of each of the components of this triad can be tested, provide an opportunity to advance research in this area. In this article, we propose the Echinostoma caproni –mouse system as a potentially useful tool for studies of the role of the host gut microbiota in preventing pathology and inducing parasite clearance via interleukin (IL)-25, an epithelial-derived alarmin with key roles in antihelminth immunity and maintenance of gut homeostasis. Highlights: Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that infections by gastrointestinal helminths are associated with quantitative and qualitative modifications in the gut commensal microbiota with different downstream effects on parasite-mediated immune modulation. In turn, recent studies have suggested that the gut microbiota can also participate in the antihelminth response. Knowledge derived from studies using mouse models of infection with the intestinal trematode Echinostoma caproni suggest that other factors besides the specific antiparasite response may influence parasite establishment, making this system a suitable model in which to explore the causality of host–parasite–microbiota relationships. IL-25 is an epithelial-derived microbiota-regulated cytokine with chief functions in antihelminth immunity, gut immune homeostasis, and maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity.