Immunopathogenesis of human schistosomiasis

M. L. Burke, M. K. Jones, G. N. Gobert, Y. S. Li, M. K. Ellis, D. P. McManus

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

320 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Schistosomiasis continues to be a significant cause of parasitic morbidity and mortality worldwide. This review considers the basic features of the pathology and clinical outcomes of hepatointestinal and genitourinary schistosomiasis, presents an overview of the numerous studies on animal models that have clarified many of the immunopathological features, and provides insight into our current understanding of the immunopathogenesis and genetic control of human schistosomiasis. In murine schistosomiasis, pathology is induced by a CD4+ Th2 driven granulomatous response directed against schistosome eggs lodged in the host liver. The Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 drive this response, whereas IL-10, IL13Rα2, IFN-γ and a subset of regulatory T-cells act to limit schistosome induced pathology. A variety of cell types including hepatic stellate cells, alternatively activated macrophages and regulatory T-cells have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. Current knowledge suggests the immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying human schistosomiasis are likely to be similar. The review also considers the future development of anti-pathology schistosome vaccines. As fibrosis is an important feature of many other diseases such as Crohn's disease and sarcoidosis, a comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in schistosomiasis may also ultimately contribute to the development an effective disease intervention strategy for other granulofibrotic diseases.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)163-176
Number of pages14
JournalParasite Immunology
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Apr 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chemokine
  • Cytokine
  • Fibrosis
  • Immunopathogenesis
  • Immunopathology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Immunology

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