The role of parasites in genetic susceptibility to allergy: IgE, helminthic infection and allergy, and the evolution of the human immune system.

Clin Rev Allergy Immunol

Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica, Instituto de Biomedicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.

Published: April 2004

AI Article Synopsis

  • Th1 and Th2 responses in T cells are compared, with Th1 linked to infections and inflammation, while Th2 is associated with allergies and protection against parasitic infections.
  • The distinction between these responses is clearer in mice than in humans, complicating our understanding of these immune mechanisms in humans.
  • There are common immunological processes that produce IgE antibodies for both parasitic infections and allergens, suggesting that memory T cell populations may play a role in these responses and influence allergic susceptibility.

Article Abstract

There have been numerous studies in the mouse illustrating the dichotomy of T cell responses, with the common classification orchestrated around Th1 vs. Th2 responses. This classification is now widely applied to human disease as well and the generic conclusion is that the Th1 responses are more likely to occur secondary to specific microbiologic insult but also inflammatory responses. In contrast, the Th2 response is the prevalent response in subjects with atopy and allergic disease but is also the mechanism for protection against helminthic infections. Unfortunately, the paradigm of Th1 vs. Th2 is not as clear in the human as it is in mouse models. Even so, the immunological mechanisms responsible for IgE production that are protective in helminthic infections, i.e. Schistosoma, are similar to those for the production of specific IgE against allergens. In fact, there also appear to be associations in the memory T cell subpopulation CD4+CD45RO+ and the elicitation of IgE against both parasites and allergens. In this review, we present the overall contemporary scheme on the role of parasites in genetic susceptibility to allergic IgE, helminthic infections with specific discussion of its implications for the evolution of the human immune system.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12016-004-0002-4DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

helminthic infections
12
role parasites
8
parasites genetic
8
genetic susceptibility
8
ige helminthic
8
evolution human
8
human immune
8
immune system
8
th1 th2
8
ige
5

Similar Publications

What's Eating You? Hookworm and Cutaneous Larva Migrans.

Cutis

November 2024

Dr. Bloomquist is from the School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia. Dr. Elston is from the Department of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.

Hookworm infection represents a major global disease burden, in terms of both morbidity and economic impact, and there has been a resurgence of hookworms in developed nations where these parasites were once thought to be eradicated. Hookworms can infest humans or other mammals as their primary hosts depending on the species. The 2 most common species that seek human hosts-Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale-enter the body through the epidermis, and hookworm infection may manifest as a pruritic and papular inflammatory reaction know as ground itch.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The World Health Organization launched the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in 2000, which aimed at eradicating the disease by 2030. This goal depends on community mass drug administration and essential care. Despite these efforts, many rural communities still face untreated lymphatic filariasis and lack access to treatment and self-management.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: People with disabilities due to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), such as leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF), often encounter situations of stigma and discrimination that significantly impact their mental wellbeing. Mental wellbeing services are often not available at the peripheral level in NTD-endemic countries, and there is a need for such services. Basic psychological support for persons with NTDs (BPS-N) from peers is an important potential solution for addressing mental wellbeing problems.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The surgical procedure detailed in this case report focuses on the treatment of a large cardiac hydatid cyst located in the intraventricular septum. The surgical intervention comprised a comprehensive approach involving a median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. A localized mass below the tricuspid valve at the basal region of the interventricular septum was revealed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis for surveillance relies on microscopic detection of ova in Kato-Katz (KK) prepared slides. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based platforms for parasitic eggs may be developed using a robust image set with defined labels by reference microscopists. This study aimed to determine interobserver variability among reference microscopists in identifying parasite ova.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!