Helminth-derived immunomodulators: can understanding the worm produce the pill?
Helminths may protect humans against allergic and autoimmune diseases and, indeed, defined helminth-derived products have recently been shown to prevent the development of such inflammatory diseases in mouse models. Here, we propose that helminth-derived products not only have therapeutic potential but can also be used as unique tools for defining key molecular events in the induction of an anti-inflammatory response and, therefore, for defining new therapeutic targets.
Harnett
William
W
Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. w.harnett@strath.ac.uk
Harnett
Margaret M
MM
D000818:Animals; D015801:Helminth Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000276:immunology*
D015801:Helminth Proteins; D007155:Immunologic Factors