Abstract
The success of helminth parasites is partly related to their ability to modulate host immune responses towards an anti-inflammatory/regulatory phenotype. This ability resides with the molecules contained in the secretome of various helminths that have been shown to interact with host immune cells and influence their function. Consequently, there exists a unique opportunity to exploit these molecules for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of human pro- and auto-inflammatory disorders (for example septic shock, transplant rejection and autoimmune disease). In this review, we describe the mechanisms used by the trematode parasite, Fasciola hepatica, to modulate the immune responses of its host and discuss the potent immune-modulatory effects of three individual molecules within the secretome; namely cathepsin L1, peroxiredoxin and helminth defence molecule. With a focus on the requirements from industry, we discuss the strategies by which these molecules may be clinically developed to control human immune responses in a way that is conducive to the prevention of immune-mediated diseases.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 283–291 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | International Journal for Parasitology |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue number | 3-4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2013 |
Bibliographical note
The work contributing to this review was supported by National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Grants APP1010197 and APP513111. J.P.D is supported by a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair and a grant from the National Science and Engineering Council (NSERC) Canada, and is a member of the European Union FP7-funded PARAVAC consortium.ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Access to Document
- Fasciola hepatica: The therapeutic potential of a worm secretome
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in International Journal for Parasitology. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in International Journal for Parasitology, [VOL 43, ISSUE 2-3, 2013]