Document Detail


Chronic helminth infections modulate allergen-specific immune responses: Protection against development of allergic disorders?
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  17852030     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Inflammatory diseases are on the rise in westernized countries, but also in urbanized areas of developing countries. A number of studies have now demonstrated a negative association between helminth infections and inflammatory diseases, such as allergy, suggesting a potential role for helminth-induced immune responses. However, this is not the case for all studies. In this review both supporting and opposing literature on the role of helminth infections, particularly in allergy, are discussed. Furthermore, the concept is put forward that chronic helminth infections, but not acute infections, may be associated with the expression of regulatory networks necessary for downmodulating allergic immune responses to harmless antigens. Lastly, different components of helminth-induced regulatory networks are detailed, such as the role of regulatory T and B cells, modulation of dendritic cells, the presence of suppressory alternatively activated macrophages, and their individual contributions to protection against allergic diseases. Advantage should be taken from this knowledge to identify and select individual helminth-derived molecules that may harbor therapeutic potential against inflammatory diseases.
Authors:
Hermelijn H Smits; Maria Yazdanbakhsh
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review     Date:  2007-06-13
Journal Detail:
Title:  Annals of medicine     Volume:  39     ISSN:  0785-3890     ISO Abbreviation:  Ann. Med.     Publication Date:  2007  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2007-10-15     Completed Date:  2008-01-29     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8906388     Medline TA:  Ann Med     Country:  Sweden    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  428-39     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands. H.H.Smits@lumc.nl
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Antigens, Helminth / immunology*
B-Lymphocytes / immunology
Chronic Disease
Dendritic Cells / immunology
Disease Models, Animal
Helminthiasis / immunology*
Humans
Hypersensitivity / epidemiology,  immunology*,  prevention & control*
Immune Tolerance
Immunologic Factors / immunology*
Mice
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Antigens, Helminth; 0/Immunologic Factors

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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